Theological Question

[Hermit7]

Greetings,

Here's a basic theological question (though it is tide to what I struggle with now)-- Can a true believer trade away his salvation?

I mean think about, with Esau and Jacob, Esau traded away his birthright for a bowl stew.

Can this be applied to salvation? Or is there any example (or support) in the Bible were someone traded in their savlation for something else?

-Hermit

 

[JRSut1000]

There's a difference between a birthright and one's whole salvation. I don't think people purposefully trade in their salvation, but in a sense this can happen. Remember when Jesus said "What profit is it if a man gain the entire universe but lose his own soul?" I guess that's pretty similar to 'trading it in'.

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

The answer is no, it is no because salvation is not dependent on man's will, salvation is dependent on the power of God. Jesus said:

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (John 15:16)

Jesus chooses us, we in turn submit to Him, our salvation is not dependent on our efforts, will or performance. God saves us because of His Son and the atonement He provided when He chose to die for our sins, He chose us out of the world by His will and we submit to His will.

 

[tripletiger1200]

The answer is no. The birthright thing refers to how people in this world trade in eternal life because of their sins in this life. In the context of eternity, this life is as insignificant as a bowl of stew, so it would be silly to live in debauchery and trade in something so great for a cheap thrill.
Your salvation is also not a right. It is a gift. God is not an "indian giver" if you will pardon the colloquialism. He is not going to give you a gift and then take it away because your mind is failing you.