Salvation Lost?

Rainbow, Welcome.

The book of Hebrews is a letter written to the Jews, who at that point were being persecuted and some were seeking to go back to the law. Jesus was the only sacrifice that never has or had to be repeated, where as under the law, sacrifices had to be performed regularly.
Also Esau wept about what he didn't get and not over what he had done. Esau didn't care about spiritual things and was not repentant. The fact that we feel broken or contrite when we sin testifies that we are Holy Spirit indwelt children of God.

I agree. I believe when we receive Jesus as our Savior, we must also make Him our Lord.

I am so glad that God restores us when we confess and repent. Prayer, reading and studying the Bible, and fellowship with other believers are essential for spiritual growth.

Hi, soulsisterclaire:

From time to time, many Christians still have doubts about their salvation. At one point in time, I did, too. However, this is what Scripture says on the subject:

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our ingeritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Eph. 1:13,14)

It is my belief that God has promised us in His Word that we belong to Him forever, that nothing can take us from Him once we're saved.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 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.

Rom. 8:38,39

When we backslide, we will feel aloof from God because of sin. And because the flesh is still with us, harnessing sin will always be a struggle. However, if we confess our sins to God, He will forgive us and enter back into fellowship with Him.

J.I. Packer's book, "Knowing God" was a big help in understanding God's attributes and getting to know Him better. When we get to know God more personally, we'll have a better perspective of who we are in Christ. How we apply God's Word to our lives depends primarily upon our spiritual growth. And spiritual growth comes when we study God's Word to know Him better. I hope I'm explaining myself clearly.

Blessings to you,

Pat

Yes, the article was a good read. For those who want to exercise your intellect, a Bible study on the differences between Arminian vs. Calvinist view of losing one's salvation would be time well spent. A long time ago, my hubby took one side and I took the other as we studied the Bible on this issue. We learned a lot and had fun at the same time.

So, is it possible that one could pray to be saved, not really recieve Him as Lord, and then lose that "salvation", thus 'once saved always saved' would not be true, until we accept Him as Lord? You know, believe one is saved, but not really be? I am not saying this is how it is, I am feeling out things, so, give me what you got.

Hi, mammasan ~ it is my belief that once a person is saved, he cannot lose his salvation. (Eph. 1:13, 14) Mere words do not save anyone even if it's the "right" words. This is what Christ said to those who thought they belonged to Him:

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.

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?

And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

Matt. 7:21-23


If a person merely says the prayer of salvation but does not have a heart transformation, he was not saved in the first place. Only God knows at this point because He can see the heart.

Blessings,

Pat

You're absolutely correct. A heart change (transformation) takes place when a person is saved. Therefore, his life reflects the love, commitment, and obedience to the Word of God that is the mark of every believer.

Hi, Ed ~ yes, this thread could have been placed in the Bible Study or Apologetics forums, but there are some new Christians that do have questions about eternal security. It's that old saying, "six of one, half a dozen of the other." Hopefully, some of the doubts can be answered here.

Blessings,

Pat

I agree, Mammasan. There are new Christians that have just this type of question going around their minds and it can be unsettling not knowing the truth of the issue. Many years ago, I struggled with this question myself, so I empathize with those that are "in the same boat."

Glad to help out!

Do you all think that I am now what could be considered a "New Christian" again? Mustn't I start all over again with my relationship with the Father and Jesus, or do I just pick up where I left off? Cause it is sooooo much harder this time around. The "world" has a huge hold on me. I can not seem to "let go" of it. Pray for me. Any advice is helpful. Uhhh, no flames please.

Hi, soulsisterclaier ~ rededicating your life to Christ is the first step toward being committed and obedient to Him. Continue in your walk with Christ right where you left off. I would suggest joining a Bible study group where you can grow spiritually and be supported by loving, mature Christians that will help you through the tough times. "Going it alone" would not be wise. If you haven't found a good church yet, my suggestion is to start looking for one. This is very important for fellowship and growth.

Of course, reading and memorizing Scripture is very important. There are many resources available at your local Christian bookstore that would be valuable. The more you immerse yourself in the Word of God and being around your Christian friends, the better it will be for you. God will bless you just where you are!

Originally posted by soulsisterclaire
I was messing around on the net, and came across a website that says you can lose your salvation if you are in sin.

I am one of those Christians that seems to backslide every so often. God punishes me and I come back to him. I wish I could overcome this, but it is hard.

I have always believed that once saved you are always saved, but this particular website says that is not true.

Do you all think that it is possible to lose your salvation?

Click to expand...

I backslide also, but remember you can't backslide unless your moving foward, or at least heading in the right direction.
Yes it is hard, but praise God he punishes His own!
Salvation is not ours to lose.
ed

Every false teaching and reglious lie in this age, is the truth, misplaced.

Why in the world is a thread called ' Salvation Lost?'
even in the 'For New Christians' area???
Seems a little heavy to me, should be Salvation found,Or how to find salvation.
ed

With sin, there are no lines to cross. It is the direction of your heart that matters.

That is why we are commanded to "be holy as I am Holy" - meaning we need to keep our hearts always focused and pure before the Lord. The best solution?

Pray for it. Pray for God to help you always be pure and holy before Him, knowing full well you can't do it alone. When you pray that prayer, you will find that God helps you, even in those times you are tempted.

Keep in mind, that sin is always a choice. Always.

Welcome to the board.

I hope you find the answers you are looking for. My advice on once saved always saved is to not think of failure. Keep your focus on Jesus keep looking up. And if you were to stumble, ask for to be forgiven and reset your focus on Jesus.

I also suggest you pray to God to give you the guidance and answers you seek.

We are all here to help.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. "

Matthew 7:13-14

I would agree with miz's position.

"So does it mean that because I have a contrite heart and that I'm sorry for my sins that I have nothing to worry about?
"

Yup.

"Just because I said that prayer didn't make me saved. Giving my life to Him did."

Yup, Lordship salvation.

>>God punishes me and I come back to him.

As long as you keep coming back to Him, then your still a child of God. It's those who do not endure chastening that are not sons of God. Just remember, He is going to deal with you according to what it is going to take to get you to quit sinning. He will see to it that the punishment is enough to make the sin not worth the while. It's the truth that sets you free.

Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

You need to learn how to use the Power in the Blood to resist temptation when the enemy brings it your way. Or as Jesus taught us when we pray, pray that God help us so that we are not lead astray. So that we never stumble or fall. Thanks, JohnR7

Proverbs 4:11-13
I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
[12] When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble.
[13] Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life.