While I would like to continue studying out Philippians 1:29 here, I’m not able to stay on task. That has been interrupted and set aside for the moment due to ADD. I was shanghaied this morning while going through the mail bag. I follow many people, blogs and organizations via mail service, too many. Most of which just get a skimming, maybe a quick read. This mornings mail call delivered notice of a new post from Gospel-road#66.1, Once saved always saved? #challengingtopics.2.
Once Saved Always Saved is a monicker usually preceded by those who believe in, more often than not critical, in context. The “?” not withstanding, Deano writes not as a critic but recognizing a challenging topic and wanting to foster conversation seeking truth.
Within the Theological discipline of Soteriology exists a doctrine of Eternal Security, most common in Reformed Theology and associated with Calvinism. It is also considered a Baptist Distinctive in most traditions.
This is not the first time this discussion has surfiest within our WordPress family. Not the first time I couldn’t help but to throw in my two cents, via a lengthy comment, on someone else’s blog either. See: my past posts
Deano gave a good treatment: there wasn’t a lot to add and I didn’t disagree with it; rather concur and affirm, with my two cents.
He sighted the following Scripture… (Acts 4:2), (Romans 6:23), (Romans 10:9-10), (John 14:6), (Matthew 7:13), (John 3:16), (2 Timothy 1:9), (Ephesians 1:13), (1 Corinthians 3:15), (John 19:30), (Luke 23:42), (2 Timothy 2:19) (Matthew 12:24-37), (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Thought I’d post that comment, edited, here and link to his post. Please read his post and if led, comment.
We have many denominations within the Church. We have many Theologians, Teachers and Preachers. Many doctrines and traditions and no shortage of translations or commentary. Ones Soteriology is often the point of contention. It is deep, vast and full of truly challenging topics so often avoided. You could say we have many “faiths” to keep (keep the faith – the faith which we preach). One can renounce, change ones mind or turn from ones “faith and practice” (believe in vain – go out from us, not of us).
I am a sinner saved by Grace. Sin seperates us from fellowship with God. Often this can cause one to question ones salvation or faith in Christ but the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit to give assurance.
Mans problem is seperation from God. God’s solution is Jesus Christ who died for our sins according to the scriptures; was buried, and rose again the third day according to the scriptures, cf. 1 Corinthians 15. Faith is the conduit to Grace: it’s by grace we are saved through faith, cf. Ephesians 2. The result is the new birth, cf. John 3. (born of the Spirit – indwelt) “life in Christ” eternal, abundant and free! – signed, sealed and delivered! That’s Salvation (past tense – from the penalty of sin) – a point in time that manifests in Salvation (present tense – from the bondage of sin), and ultimately results in Salvation (future tense) Glorification!!! But God will not be mocked – many will identify as a Christian having works (present) without “Life” or Salvation (past) but that does not make them one. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. —Matthew 7:21-23. Note: The work of God is to believe on him whom he hath sent, cf. John 6:29.
Let me add: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” –John 17:3 KJV
Thank you for posting about this challenging topic, Deano
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” —2 Timothy 2:15
Blessings,
Dave the Bible student
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