Question about loss of salvation

[ladodgers6]

I've been reading an article online, and it has got me thinking, particularly some of the comments on the article.

The basic argument is that we don't make a decision for Christ, that being in Christ is not something that happens based on a decision we make. Regeneration happens first, followed by faith. However there seems to be a requirement to abide (remain) in Christ, so what I am wondering is if someone fails to remain in Christ, is there any hope for that person? I mean can they get back into Christ?

Excellent question, the Righteous shall live by Faith to Faith. Always knowing that where we fail, Christ has not. It is he who is the Faithful One in keeping his promise to save us form our sins. We must repent and believe in Christ who came to save the ungodly. It's not our faith that is worthy of salvation, but the worthiness of whom we believe in. His Life, Death and Resurrection is what saves us. So go live for God, knowing that there is now no condemnation for those in Christ!
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Keep in Step with the Spirit​

Galatians 5:16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who doe such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

All of this flows from our Justification by Faith Alone in Christ Alone. Always keeping Christ center in one's life. Always trusting in him and his word! Now go live for God, knowing that when you fall, Christ has paid for that too! We have an advocate with the Father. So, walk in the Spirit, grow in the knowledge of the Lord. And read and listen to Law & Gospel preaching every single day!

Read Romans 7 where Paul himself struggles with sin. Let me know if you have any questions.​

 

[Aviel]

. Regeneration happens first, followed by faith.

Faith is required before regeneration occurs.
Otherwise, God would be saving the person, before they Trust in Christ.
= Not going to Happen.

To be regenerated requires that your sin be forgiven, first.
God is not going to forgive your sin, before you trust in Christ., as that is the REASON He gives you the regeneration.

I'm not certain who designed this Cart before the Horse theology, (Calvin ??) ... but, its not related to Salvation as provided by God based on "The Gospel of the Grace of God" that Paul teaches.
And there is no other Gospel.

 

[Ain't Zwinglian]

Faith is required before regeneration occurs.

What? Just the opposite my friend. Faith is the fruit of God's action to us in changing the disposition of our hearts and giving us the gift of faith.

Otherwise, God would be saving the person, before they Trust in Christ.
= Not going to Happen.

Just the opposite. God saves a person before they trust in God = It does happen and the only way it can happen.

I'm not certain who designed this Cart before the Horse theology, (Calvin ??) ... but, its not related to Salvation as provided by God

I'm am certain who designed this Cart before the horse theology that Faith is required before regeneration occurs --- Pelagius.

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No man has the power to raise himself from spiritual death. Divine assistance is necessary. The key phrase in Paul's Letter to the Ephesians is this: '...even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have you been saved)' (Eph. 2:5). Here Paul locates the time when regeneration occurs. It takes place 'when we were dead.'

As Jesus said, That which is born of flesh is flesh, that which is born of Spirit is Spirit. "Man’s first birth is natural; his second birth is spiritual and supernatural. His first birth makes him a member of a fallen race; his second birth makes him a member of a redeemed race. His first birth gives him a depraved nature (Eph. 2:3); his second birth makes him partaker of the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4). The moment a person is born again he receives a new life (John 6:47; 1 John 5:12) and a new position as a child of God (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-2). In short, he is a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17)."

IMO, conversion, regeneration, new birth, second birth, awakening, illumination, call and repentance are pretty much Synonymous.

 

[Aviel]

Just the opposite. God saves a person before they trust in God =

Jesus said if you believe in Him you wont die in your sin.
He never said, 'ill make you have faith, and then you wont die in your sin".

Notice the Story of Abraham and Issac ????????????????
God never caused Him to believe.
God never forces Him to Believe.
God never shoved FAITH down His throat, nor does God force faith on anyone else.
God allowed Abram to choose to believe (faith)
See, its not faith, if you are caused to believe.... That's coercion.
Faith is not coercion....faith is given, as free will, as CHOICE.
And you have the same choice, as does everyone.

Paul said "as many as believe". ....
He never teaches, "as many as God forced to believe".

Its "grace through faith".... not God saves you so that you can then believe, afterwards.
God does not force you to have faith so that you can then believe.
That offends even common sense., and surely it offends Salvation and the Cross of Christ.

So, this idea that God causes you to be saved before you believe, is not based on the Gospel.
its based on someone's theology who didnt understand free will, or believe that the Cross is given to the world :

John 3:16-17

and not just to the elect.

 

[Ain't Zwinglian]

God never shoved FAITH down His throat, nor does God force faith on anyone else.

Wow! Such strong language.

 

[Aviel]

Wow! Such strong language.

Sometimes to help people understand the nonsense being taught, that denies the Cross, you have to be more "direct".

See, when a theology limits the Cross, and denies that John 3:16 is true...by teaching that only those appointed to salvation, are given the Cross, and the rest are denied access to the Cross of Christ, then this teaching is abusing the truth, denying the Grace of God and insulting the Cross.
Thats a bad thing, as that's Galatians 1:8...... yet, its a very common teaching that you find allowed and promoted on forums and in pulpits.

So, in that case, its perfectly acceptable to use language that offers a response that is worthy of the theology, itself., Ain't Zwinglain.

 

[Ain't Zwinglian]

hats a bad thing, as that's Galatians 1:8...... yet, its a very common teaching that you find allowed and promoted on forums and in pulpits.

What is the difference between your "free will" theology and full blown Pelagianism?

 

[BNR32FAN]

I've been reading an article online, and it has got me thinking, particularly some of the comments on the article.

The basic argument is that we don't make a decision for Christ, that being in Christ is not something that happens based on a decision we make. Regeneration happens first, followed by faith. However there seems to be a requirement to abide (remain) in Christ, so what I am wondering is if someone fails to remain in Christ, is there any hope for that person? I mean can they get back into Christ?

Jesus told 11 of His apostles to abide in Him in John 15 with the exception of Judas who was not present at the time. After Jesus was arrested they scattered to the wind and Peter even denied Christ 3 times. But after His resurrection they repented and believed. So yes people who fall away can repent and come back to Christ.

 

[BNR32FAN]

I've been reading an article online, and it has got me thinking, particularly some of the comments on the article.

The basic argument is that we don't make a decision for Christ, that being in Christ is not something that happens based on a decision we make. Regeneration happens first, followed by faith. However there seems to be a requirement to abide (remain) in Christ, so what I am wondering is if someone fails to remain in Christ, is there any hope for that person? I mean can they get back into Christ?

The idea that regeneration takes place before we can repent is false. Romans 2:4-5, Revelation 2:20-21, and John 5:34 are all indications that people do have the ability to repent prior to regeneration. In all three of these cases God is trying to save these people and yet they still refuse to repent and believe.

 

[Aviel]

What is the difference between your "free will" theology and full blown Pelagianism?

God created "free will"

Whereas some theologian who was not affiliated with "all have sinned" or the reason for the Blood Atonement and New Covenant, created Pelagianism.
A person who understands the REASON for the Cross of Christ will never have any doubt about the sinfulness of sin, and the sinfulness of the sinner who exists here, until they are born again. = John 3:36

Jesus said, "if you dont believe that im the Messiah, you'll die in your SINS" and that includes the person who Pipe dreamt up Pelagianism.

The best way to deal with all the "doctrines of devils" (Hebrews 13:9) that have been given through so many "bible scholars" and "church fathers".... is to just study Paul's Doctrine, and avoid the rest, Ain't Zwinglian.

Just go here :

"Pauline Theology", and never anywhere else.

 

[Ain't Zwinglian]

just study Paul's Doctrine, and avoid the rest, Ain't Zwinglian.

Thank you for your advice on how to study the Scriptures.