Once Saved Always Saved?

Can a believer who is saved choose to be lost?

by Marcos C. Thaler

Introduction
The question is asked, If a believer accepts Christ as his personal Saviour and is born again through
the spirit, does this ensure his salvation to the point where it is impossible to lose it? Let us turn to
inspiration from both the Old Testament and New Testament and see what we are instructed in this
matter:

Old Testament
Part I

Scriptural References
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked;
but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why
will ye die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11)

Here we first see the Lord warn the wicked to turn from their evil ways. The wicked have been
given this choice. The choice is given to them so that they may choose life by turning from all that
is wicked or they choose to remain in their deplorable condition by sinning against the Lord. The
Lord is grieved when men choose the second choice. He takes no pleasure in destroying the wicked.
He desires for ALL to choose life! But does this choice also apply to the righteous? Let us continue
unraveling the word of the Lord for truth and understanding.

Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the
righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the
wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall
the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. (Ezekiel
33:12)

This verse makes it evident that a choice to choose the opposite (life or death) is available to all
whether they are among the wicked or the righteous. Neither side of the spectrum locks an
individual in their condition as long as the door of mercy is still open. The option for life or death is
given and mutual for both the wicked as well as the righteous. A righteous man may live a life of
righteousness, but if in the end transgresses against the Lord and does not repent, all his lived out
righteousness cannot save him if he sins once and falls short in making intercession for it.

When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own
righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but
for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. (Ezekiel 33:13)

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This next verse continues on from verse 12 by clarifying that no one can cling to their righteousness
and expect it to save them should they commit iniquity and sin. If a man lives out an entire life of
righteousness and sins against the Lord in the end, all of his righteousness shall not be remembered
and he shall die for his iniquity of which he committed.

The scriptures could not be clearer. It leaves no room for error. A righteous man cannot expect to
obtain eternal life if he chooses to not remain righteous. We shall continue on with more texts from
Ezekiel, but before we continue, we must first understand the definition of righteous.

We have now established that in order for a righteous person to be righteous, he is saved providing
he remains faithful in this current state. We are clearly told that a righteous person can turn away.
Now let us examine the correct definition of a righteous person: According to the Merriam-
Websters Dictionary, to be righteous means to be free from guilt or sin.

Dictionary Definition: Righteous

1 : acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin ~ Merriam-Webster
Online (http://www.m-w.com/)

A righteous individual is most certainly equivalent to a saved individual. He is saved as long as

he remains faithful and watches unto prayer lest he should stumble. This makes it crucial that we do
not utilize the term saved loosely among Christians, as the majority of Christians do not take heed
to the fact that even after you are saved it is still possible to fall if a strong effort is not made on your
part to remain that way. To coin the term saved on an individual is to judge that person without
really knowing whether there still could be sin in their lives. The term should be cautiously used
making it clear that without diligent effort on our parts, we can still fall by the way side.

As we continue through Ezekiel, we now see that the door of mercy is still open for one who has
committed iniquity against the Lord:

Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that
which is lawful and right; If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed
walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not
die. (Ezekiel 33:14,15)

In other words, if we turn away from our evil ways and walk in the statutes of life without
committing iniquity, we shall live. Once we have been converted, we must continue to walk in the
paths of righteousness; otherwise if we fall back into sin and fail to repent, we shall surely die.
Scripture is especially clear on this matter.

None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that
which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. (Ezekiel 33:16)

The word "live" in this context would be equivalent to being "saved". Salvation is now fully ours. If
we repent from our sins, all that we have done wrong will be erased from the book of records. Isn't
that wonderful? What a merciful, all-loving God to do such a thing.

Next we read:

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 Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their
way is not equal. When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth
iniquity, he shall even die thereby. (Ezekiel 33:17,18)

Here we have an incredible statement. So is it possible for a righteous person (one who is free from
guilt or sin) to turn away from his righteousness, commit iniquity, and die? We have just been
clearly told that this is the case. No righteous person can live in assurance that he cannot lose
salvation without continuing to keep his eyes fixed on Jesus. If he does not strive with earnestness
and with much prayer to continue to do all that is right in the sight of the Lord, he will lose sight of
Him and surely die.

But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall
live thereby. (Ezekiel 33:19)

Once again, we now see that the wicked (one who has turned away from his righteousness) who
turns away from his wickedness and repents, he shall be forgiven and saved!

In chapter 18 of Ezekiel, we see the same concepts repeated:

(20) The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father,
neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall
be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. (21) But if the wicked will
turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which
is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. (22) All his transgressions that he
hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done
he shall live. (23) Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD:
and not that he should return from his ways, and live? (24) But when the righteous turneth
away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the
abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath
done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he
hath sinned, in them shall he die. (25) Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear
now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? (26) When a
righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in
them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. (27) Again, when the wicked man
turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful
and right, he shall save his soul alive. (28) Because he considereth, and turneth away from
all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. (Ezekiel
18:20-28)

In Ezekiel, we see not only how a righteous person can lose his salvation if he turns away from his
righteousness, but chapter 3 emphasizes the importance of warning the wicked. If we fail to warn the
wicked of their evil ways, we will be held accountable and their blood will be upon our shoulders:

(18) When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning,
nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man
shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (19) Yet if thou warn the
wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his
iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. (20) Again, When a righteous man doth turn from
his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die:
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 because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness
which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
(21) Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth
not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.
(Ezekiel 3:18-21)

In summary, Ezekiel 3:18-21; 18:20-28; and 33:11-19 demonstrate unequivocally, and

unapologetically that 1. A righteous person can turn away from God and be lost, 2. A wicked person
can turn away from his wickedness and be saved, 3. A righteous person who does not warn the
wicked of their evil ways can be lost, but if they warn the wicked of their evil ways, they will not be
held accountable, for at least they have done their part.

We shall continue by providing a few examples of various individuals who once walked with God
and turned away from Him from the Old Testament.

Examples from the Old Testament

Saul:
Saul was a man chosen after Gods own heart. From the start he honored God and was faithful to
him. The spirit even fell upon him and he prophesied:

And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the
spirit of God came upon him (Saul), and he prophesied among them. And it came to pass,
when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then
the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also
among the prophets? And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father?
Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? And when he had made an
end of prophesying, he came to the high place. (1 Samual 10:10-13)

Later we see another example of the spirit of the Lord falling upon Saul:

And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people
that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. And the spirit of God
came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly. And he
took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of
Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after
Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and
they came out with one consent. (1 Sauel 11:5-7)

Later, after Saul is now king, we see him waver and disobey God:

And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment
of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have
established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the
LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be
captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
(1 Samuel 13:13,14)
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This was the beginning of Sauls turning point. From this point on he began to backslide against the
Lord; although God did grant him mercy a number of times so that he might be saved.

And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with
the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and
of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly
destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. Then
came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to
be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my
commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. (1 Samuel
15:8-11)

God would not have chosen a man to be king of Israel had he not been a righteous man. God chose
a righteous man to be captain over Israel, but this man turned back from following Him. Had he
remained faithful to the Lord, God would have worked marvels for Israel and most important of all,
Sauls soul would have been saved.

But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled
him. (1 Samuel 16:14)

Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith;
lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer
would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when
his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.
So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day
together. (1 Samuel 31:4-6)

Sauls probation came to a close. The Lord would no longer hear Saul, so Saul replaced the Lord by
fetching the witch of Endor. Finally, that terrible day of battle with the Philistines came and Saul
killed himself by falling upon his own sword.

Balaam:
In Numbers, chapters 22-24, and 31, we read concerning the life of Balaam, a prophet of the Lord.
Balak, king of Moab, knew that the words spoken through Balaam had powerful spiritual meaning,
and thus summoned him. He believed that if he could get Balaam to curse Israel, it would come to
pass. However, Balaam told Balaks servants and the princes of Moab that the Lord would talk to
him concerning the matter that night.

And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the
LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam. (Numbers 22:8)

The Lord did speak to Balaam that night and told him not to go with the servants or to curse Israel
for they are blessed by God. Balaam at first heeded the warning and refused to go with the servants.
But eventually greed got the best of him.

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 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his
house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or
more. (Numbers 22:18)

Had God given Balaam the choice to go and curse Israel, he would have gladly done so if he had
been offered a house of many treasures. But Balaam was yet willing to hear out the word of the
Lord, and the Lord told him if he should go with them he could only say that which the Lord would
put in his mouth. We see in this that when a Christian desires to do something bad enough that is
not approved of the Lord, He will let them have what they wish so that they may learn a lesson and
see just how far they are willing to go against the Lord. God was testing Balaam, and Balaam was
failing. The Lord did not really wish for Balaam to go with the princess of Moab, but Balaam was
determined to go and so he went.

For this the Lords anger was kindled against Balaam and sent an angel with a flaming sword to
block the pathway Balaam had taken. Balaam did not see the angel but the ass of which he rode did
and attempted to turn off the path. For this Balaams temper exploded and he beat the animal with
his staff. So then the Lord spoke through the animal and asked What have I done unto thee, that
thou hast smitten me these three times? Balaam was so enraged that he still did not perceive that it
was the Lord preventing him from continuing his journey and even answered the beast by saying it
had mocked him and that if he had a sword he would slay it. The animal responded by then saying
Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever
wont to do so unto thee? And Balaam answered and said, Nay.

Not until the angel of the Lord appeared to Balaam with a sword did he bow down to the angel and
submit to the Lord. But the angel told Balaam to continue the journey, but only to speak those
words which the Lord would speak to him. When Balaam arrived at Moab with the princes Balaam
warned Balak that he could speak only that which the Lord would put in his mouth to say. But
Balaam was wishing for the Lord to permit him to curse Israel. However, each time when Balaam
attempted to curse Israel, blessings came out. God was still giving Balaam a chance to give up on
his worldly ambition, but Balaam persisted to go against the will of the Lord. He eventually
counseled the children of Israel to trespass against the Lord and therefore was slain in battle between
the Israelites and Midianites.

Let us remember that even when we walk with the Lord, we may still turn back if we do hold fast to
the profession of our faith and resist Satan.

New Testament
Part II

Scriptural References
Now we shall tie in verses from the New Testament to clearly show that it is in direct harmony with
these very principles. We will discuss verses from Hebrews, Luke, 1st Corinthians, Matthew, Acts
and Romans as we begin to see that nothing has changed regarding the choice to be saved or lost
narrated in the Old Testament. The rest of this study will demonstrate that there is absolutely no
distinction between the Old Testament and the New Testament regarding the salvation of an
individual. The requirements (Mosaic laws) have changed, but not the relationship between a
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human being and God. Human beings even then were saved by faith, not works. Hebrews
chapter 11 establishes this very principle by listing Old Testament believers who lived by faith.

In the Old Testament the ceremonial law was kept by the Jews, but these laws were no longer
necessary after the cross. However, the issue of salvation has not changed. If a righteous man
became corrupted in the Old Testament by turning his back on God, the very same principle must
apply to the New Testament and after the crucifixion of our Messiah.

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly
gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and
the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto
repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open
shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6)

This verse makes it clear that those who have been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift;
if they fall away from the light, they cannot be brought to repentance. This is more so referring to the
unpardonable sin, where people who were once walking closely with God and tasted of the heavenly
gift completely give up all the truth. Gods grace is no longer abiding with them. Now I think it
would be very difficult to describe more fully a person who had been born again but who later
rebelled against God and rejected Christ and spurned the Holy Spirit. He has placed himself out of
God's reach by his own actions. Therefore, there is no possibility that such a man can be saved as
long as he continues to crucify Christ by his disobedience.

For a more comprehensible translation of Hebrews 6:4, I will provide it from the NIV:

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly
gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God
and the powers of the coming age, if they fall by the way, to be back to repentance, because
to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public
disgrace. (Heb. 4:6, NIV)

We shall now turn to the examples of individuals who turned away from the light spoken of in the
New Testament.

Examples from the New Testament

Ananias and Sapphira:

The understanding of Hebrews 6:4 quoted above is aptly demonstrated by the fatal decision made by
Ananias and Sapphira. We know that both Ananias and Sapphira were members of the apostolic
church at that time and were struck down by the hand of God for their sins spoken in Acts 5:1-10. In
Acts 5:11 we read: And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these
things

It was just before in Acts chapter 2 that the whole church received the gift of the spirit as the cloven
tongues of fire fell upon their heads (Please read Acts 2:1-18, 5:1-11). You will also notice that Acts
4:31-37 makes it clear that all the church members did not lack possessions and gave freely to the
Lord by laying them at the apostles feet. Ananias and Sapphira experienced Pentecost and were
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among these who were convicted to give the price of their possessions to the Lord, but yet they still
sinned against the Lord and dishonored Him by not giving all that they had promised. This confirms
that even after one who has received the gift of the spirit and filled with the Holy Ghost, there can
still be a turning away to eternal loss. Only those born again Christians who remain faithful and
watchful unto prayer will be saved at last.

It is extremely dangerous to believe that we are assured salvation after we have accepted Christ into
our lives. The scriptures entreat us to be vigilant and sober:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same
afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. ut the God of all grace,
who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while,
make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever
and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:8)

What if after becoming a Christian you decide to relax and then lose your vigilance? Imagine what
easy prey you would be for the devil. If it were true that salvation is unconditionally guaranteed for
true Christians, then these counsels to be sober, vigilant, watchful, and prayerful, etc. would be
unnecessary! If it were absolutely impossible to turn back, there would be no need to gather
strength in our Christian walk. Grace from up high is what gives is strength to press forward toward
the mark of our high calling!

There have some who have argued that just because God strikes someone dead does not mean that
God is taking away their salvation, just their temporary existence. Secondly, they argue that the
Bible never says that Ananias and Sapphira were lost.

To this we answer the following:

It is incomprehensible that one could even question this. This position is worse than the Universalist.
At least the Universalist believes everyone is going to heaven, but the implication above seems to be
that God would dare to save someone he struck dead with a lightening bolt? In all honesty and
sincerity, this is absolutely and categorically bereft of reason. You make a promise to God, and then
you lie to the Holy Spirit, then break your promise to God, then God strikes you dead, and He's
going to save you?! To be sure, not even the most well-learned theologians would adapt such an
outlandish notion. The Bible does not have to come right out and say "so and so lost their salvation"
for it to be well implied. The implication is a given, and this anyone should know. Where does it say
that Achan, who was stoned, lost his salvation? Where does it say that Korah, Dathan, Abirum lost
their salvation when the earth swallowed them up? Where does it say that Aaron's sons, Nadab and
Abihu lost their salvation when they were devoured by fire from the Lord after offering strange fire?
Where does it say that King Saul lost his salvation?

The bible does not. Yet it is clearly implied. To imply otherwise is to not recognize the sinfulness of
sin. Scripture is clear, "the wages of sin is death" Romans 6:23. This is one of the tendencies of
thought I have often noticed with the "Once Saved Always Saved" or "Predestination" position. In
many cases, it encourages one to not ascertain nor grasp the sinfulness of sin.

Furthermore, let us be clear, scripture teaches that known sins must be confessed before we can enter
the kingdom of heaven. Ananias and Sapphira had plenty of time to confess their sin before Peter
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came to them and they were struck dead. Had God known they were going to repent, He wouldn't
have struck them dead. What they had done was a grievous sin before the Lord, by lying to the Holy
Spirit.

Logical deduction forces the conclusion that Ananias and Sapphira received the gift of the Holy
Ghost.

Notice:

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and
they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."
(Acts 4:31)

"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any
of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things
common. (Acts 4:32)

...

"Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or
houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down
at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."
(Acts 4:34,35)

...

"BUT a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept
back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it,
at the apostles' feet. (Acts 5:1,2)

There is really no way for one to conclude that Ananias and Sapphira were not part of the multitude
that believed. It is rather evident that they were among the "all" that received the Holy Ghost.

The conjunction "BUT" automatically implicates Ananias and Sapphira as those who were among all
the believers that received the gift of the Holy Ghost and who had made a promise to give a portion
of their possessions to Lord.

Demas:

Demas was counted a believer among the early Christian church. At first, he was steadfast for the
cause of Christ.

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Salute the brethren which are in
Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. (Col. 4:14,15)

Then the love of the world took hold of Demas and he gave in.

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 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto
Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. (Col. 4:10)

Judas Iscariot:

The story of Judas is a daunting one. He is an example of one who was counted among the worthy
by the other disciples and by others who professed Christ as their Messiah. But in the end he
betrayed the Lord and revealed his true nature. The rest of the disciples were shocked by Judas
betrayal. They never suspected any such thing. Judas was counted among the twelve disciples and
was convicted to follow Jesus. Then he allowed Satan to start working on his heart and began to
cherish thoughts of disappointment towards the methods of Jesus. Judas wanted Jesus to sit on the
throne of Judea and deliver them from the Roman oppression. But he did not trust Jesus, nor did he
comprehend that Jesus kingdom was not of this world. Instead, Judas was concerned for worldly
honor and glory.

Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief
priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered
Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. (Luke 22:1-3)

All during the time from when the disciples first began to follow Jesus to the Passover did the
disciples not perceive nor discern the condition of Judas. From the start, Judas heart had not been
converted, but the rest of the disciples did not perceive this and considered him as one of them. This
same scenario repeats today in many churches and congregations. There are numerous unconverted
Christians who are considered to be saved and born again by other surrounding Christians. Yet these
people continue to judge individuals and classify them as Christians saved by grace. This is a
form of assigning judgment on an individual without really knowing their true condition, and
whether they will remain faithful. To encourage them that they will be saved providing they remain
faithful is one thing, but to judge them as saved Christians and giving them this false security is
another of which the scriptures gives us no jurisdiction for.

Scriptural References
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel,
but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the
eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine
eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in
thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the
whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
(Luke 11:33-36)

In other words, the light which has been given to us and is now in us; if it turns into darkness and let
it remain (meaning we turn away from the light and let darkness come in), we will be lost. That light
which burns inside can go out if we do not continue to oil it. The devil will do whatever it takes to
put out the light, so let us be watchful. With preserving effort on our part and the help of God, we
will repel the devil and overcome sin.

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 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol
unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is
defiled. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to
them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's
temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things
which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for
whom Christ died? (1 Corinthians 8:7-11)

This verse is warning one who is walking in righteousness to take heed (to be aware, to be careful,
and watchful) in not giving into temptation. If we have a weak conscience, it is possible to fall. It
specifically states that if a weak brother, (note: "brother" indicates a child of God) gives into
temptation, he will perish! (In the context that if he does not repent).

1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die
daily.

If it were true that salvation is guaranteed for a saved man, why does Paul emphasize the need to die
daily? To die daily means to deny yourself and die to sin and the flesh every day, moment-by-
moment. We must daily resist the temptation to sin against the Most High. It is a continual struggle,
and we must constantly be on guard to resist Satan. We mustnt for a moment let up our guard. If it
were true that our salvation is sealed once we accept Christ into our lives and are born again, and
that we cannot fall by the way, then ALL the overwhelming counsels given to Christians to
remain faithful and watchful throughout inspiration would be uncalled for.

Says John in Luke 19:9:

This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

Next in Matthew 6:34 we read:

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of
itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

We must watch unto prayer each day at a time. Today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow will be a
new daya new day to be on guard and watchful lest Satan overtake us when we least expect it.

1 Peter 4:7 says: But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto
prayer.

Luke 8:12, 13 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh
away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are
they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a
while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

We see here that a Christian who has been born again and believes can still fall prey to temptation
and fall away. Satan even now attempts to take away what is in the hearts of true believers. These
same counsels we find in the Old Testament are reiterated in the New Testament. This understanding
has not changed.

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 Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall
have no pleasure in him.

All Christians who live by faith can draw back and lose sight of their Saviour.

Hebrews 10: 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering.

Yet again, we see counsel after counsel warning Christians to take heed and hold firmly to their faith
and not waver. Salvation is yours as long as you, with your own diligent efforts and the help of God
overcome sin without wavering.

Romans 11: 21, 22 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare
not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but
toward thee, goodness, If thou continue in his goodness: otherwise, thou also shalt be cut
off.

This verse should strike home to any believing Christian that in order to be saved, we MUST
continue in His goodness. The word IF implies a conditional element of security providing the
believer continues to follow in the paths of righteousness.

Some have argued that 1 John 3:9 and Jude 1:24 offer an unconditional promise that a true believer
cannot return sin, or fall away. These texts read as follows:

1 John 3:9 -- Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him:
and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Jude 1:24 -- Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you
faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.

If these two texts stood alone, this argument would seem very convincing. However, the problem
here once again has to do with the fact that many take texts like these and put them in their pocket,
simply because they like them better. But as Christians, we must employ "scripture with scripture"
if we are going to get the FULL thrust of what the entire Bible is really saying.

In light of all the overwhelming bible texts (yes, there are scores of them) where it says that
"believers" can "fall away" (Luke 8:13, etc.), the interpretation voiced by Once Saved Always Saved
proponents concerning these texts need some serious polishing.

He (Christ) will keep you from stumbling, no doubt. But this prevention is not going to happen by
magic. It will only occur when you cooperate with His divine will, and by your own diligent efforts
through the power Christ has given you to cling to that promise.

Now there is no doubt that the promise of 1 John 3:9 and Jude 1:24 still stand. We must agree with
them! But as with everything, these promises are always conditional depending on our willingness to
be lead by the Spirit.

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are
ye my disciples indeed." (John 8:31)

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 "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works,
yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and
unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and
settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and
which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a
minister."(Col 1:21-23)

This text appears to say that we are holy and unblameable IF we continue in the faith grounded and
settled, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel. How is it possible for Colossians 1:21-23
to become any clearer? I also recommend reading this passage in the NIV where it is even clearer.
The conditional element is clearly emphasized.

"Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye
have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and
in the Father." (1 John 2:24)

Hence we see that all the said promises where He will surely keep us blameless are on condition to
our decision to cling to this promise. But never for a moment should we entertain the thought that it
is impossible for us to sin as Christians. A Christian cannot (practice) sinmeaning, He has no
right to it! But it does not mean that he will not sin. Look at Moses for example...a converted and
saved man. He lost his temper, got angry, and he paid the consequences! But why did he still go to
heaven? Because he repented!

A Christian has been "bought with a price" (1 Cor 6:20; 7:23), and he/she "is not their own" (1 Cor
6:19). When Christ purchases you as His possession, you are no longer a slave to sin, but a servant
of Christ. Therefore, a true Christian absolutely NO RIGHT to serve the master of sin! This is why a
believer cannot sin! In this sense.

If you are born of God, you cannot sin. But the moment you break that contract, you just let go of
that promise He made with you--by your own choice. This is where sanctification comes in. We
have to die daily. The process of salvation does not end with only justification. Hebrews 12:14
says... "Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord."

You cannot see the Lord unless you are sanctified. Sanctification is a daily process. It follows
Justification. It is not imputed on you at the same time justification is!

According to Once Saved Always Saved, Justification and Sanctification are imputed on the believer
the moment they are saved. Now yes, if a person dies immediately after he was justified, he will be
saved. Why?

1. Because he was forgiven for all his past sins, and became clean.

2. He did not continue to live, and therefore did not commit anymore sin.

However, had he continued living, and had he expected to reach his heavenly destiny in his glorified
body, he would have had to continue to resist and fight the temptation to sin. And temptation does
not come to you if it is not possible to fall for it.

Scriptures are clear that in the latter days, there will be those who depart from the faith:
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 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart
from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.

The latter times are today. Everyday we see people all around us departing from the faith and letting
go the rope of salvation.

Revelation 2:26 -- "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will
I give power over the nations:"

When we conquer sin and receive Christ into our heart, we must "KEEP" this way to the end if we
are to inherit the kingdom.

Revelation 3:3 -- "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast,
and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt
not know what hour I will come upon thee."

Scripture is just too plain. Notice: We receive, we hear, we hold fast, and we repent. But if we do not
CONTINUE to "watch", Jesus will come as a thief in the night and we will not know the hour when
he comes.

Now the good news is that even though we may depart from the faith, we can still return back to
God.

2 Chron. 30:9 says "For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children
shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into
this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face
from you, if ye return unto him."

Jude 1:21 says "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus
Christ unto eternal life."

The implications are clear. If you return back to God, He will have mercy on you. We are also told
to KEEP yourselves in the love of God.

1 Corinthians 15:32-34 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what
advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Be not
deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not;
for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

We are commanded to not be deceived. This counsel was written for a purpose so that believers
will be vigilant and not let any deceptions take hold of them. If they let down their guard, they are
easy prey to the great deceiver.

Hebrews 10: 26-29 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the
truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of
judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses'
law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment,
suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and
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 hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and
hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

The people described here had been sanctified by the truth, but fell away into willful apostasy.

Notice that one who was sanctified is now considered an unholy thing after going against God and
the Spirit of grace.

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any
means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Unbelievable! So those individuals who believe you cannot lose your salvation are saved and cannot
fall, but Paul can? Here Paul, a righteous man, is CLEARLY stating that he can fall and be a
castaway if he does not bring his body under subjection! Some have tried to argue and say that this
verse from Paul is only referring to his testimony, that his testimony will be cast out and have no
effect, and that it has nothing to do with salvation. However, the Greek word for "castaway" is
actually "adokimos" which means "reprobate", and this word means "damned". How can you damn
a testimony? He's saying "lest by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself be a
reprobate!" In fact, 2 Corinthians 13:5 declares that Jesus Christ cannot dwell in the heart that is
reprobate (adokimos). Titus 1:16 speaks of the abominable and disobedient who are "unto every
good work reprobate (adokimos)." Surely Paul had nothing else in mind but that he could be lost if
he allowed sin to recapture his life.

This alone should shake up the cage of the "Once Saved Always Saved" philosophy. Understanding
the original Greek can open up a whole new can of worms about the meaning of this text. It makes
absolutely NO sense whatsoever for Paul to be saying that his "testimony will be adokimos".
Absolutely none whatsoever. He says "I MYSELF", not "MY TESTIMONY".

Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to
the end shall be saved.

These words are coming straight from Jesus Himself. A righteous person who has been converted
MUST endure to the end. Endure means to resist sin until the end. We would not be told to endure if
it were true that once we are saved in Christ it is impossible to fall, for that would eliminate any need
to continue enduring.

Scriptures emphasize that one who believes and confesses with his mouth, they shall be saved (John
3:16-18; 1:12; Acts 16:31; Romans 19:9).

However, if one truly believes, that belief will translate into good works. The works are simply a
fruit of your faith [belief]. And if we truly love God, we shall "do" His commandments.

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and
may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)

The "doing" here is definitely expressed as a "requirement" and an antecedent to the expression
"may have right...and enter the gates".

In Matthew 19:17 Jesus told the Rich Young Ruler: "if thou wilt enter into life, keep the
15
commandments."

Concerning New Testament believers, John the Beloved wrote:

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I
know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But
whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we
are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had
from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the
beginning." (1 John 2:3-7)

One of the greatest deceptions of the last days is that "believing" is nothing more than a mere
mental ascent to the truth. The reality of the unity of scriptures is that "believing" is a "big
package". To "believe in His name" means for the character of God be manifested in you and dwell
in you through His spirit. To have His Seal, or His name, is to have His character. And what is
Christ's character? Righteousness! And what is righteousness? Dueteronomy 6:25 tells us "And it
shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God,
as he hath commanded us." and Psalms 119:172 says..."My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all
thy commandments are righteousness." Now what is Jesus called? Jeremiah 33:16 calls him "The
LORD our righteousness!". The word "righteous" means "without sin". And what is
sin? "transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). So Jesus kept the commandments, and what did we just
read according to John above? That we are to "walk as he walked".

So to believe on his name is to walk after His character, which is Righteousness. And what is
righteousness? The keeping of the commandments!

Therefore, let us be among those that not only have the faith of Jesus, but also keep the
commandments of God.

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of
God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev 14:12

So just remember, you can "believe" ALL you want, but if it does not translate into
OBEDIENCE, then sad to say, you are fooling yourself. We can't deceive God. The truth hurts, it
stings, but oh, it purifies!

(21) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with
meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (22) But be ye doers of the
word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (23) For if any be a hearer of the
word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: (24) For he
beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he
was. (25) But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being
not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James
1:21-25)

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his
commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his
commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:3
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This is how we know we have love. And what happens to those who do not love?

"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received
not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." 2 Thess 2:10

It is true that Christ's righteousness stands in place of our shortcomings.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."Romans 3:23

The only way any Christian can enter heaven is if Christ's righteousness covers us. That is the only
way.

However, Christ's righteousness will not stand in place of our shortcomings if we deceive ourselves
into thinking "ah okay then, since Christ's righteousness stands in place of my sins, I can do anything
I want, break the commandments, and I'll still be saved". We must flee from that faulty logic.
Instead, when the Love of God has truly transformed our hearts with His renewing Spirit, and has
pardoned us with His grace, the true Christian sees his/her filth, and his need of a cleansing Saviour.
The Law of God is like a mirror, to point out and define sin. It has no saving power. Only Christ's
righteousness can atone for our sins. But the law simply defines sin so that we might know what sin
is, and see what it is that we need cleansing. Therefore, through the imputed Grace and Power of
Christ, He pardons us and enables us to overcome, working in us. When God sees that we are doing
all in our God-given (take note, "God-given") to overcome all that we know is sin, He sees a truly
converted person. Jesus commands us, as he did with Mary Magdalene after pardoning her from her
past sins: "When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman,
where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus
said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8:10,11)

James 4:17 says... "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is
sin."

In other words, if we commit a sin, and we do not know it is sin, it is not sin to us. What counts is
that the renewed life is living up to what we know to be right. This will be the fruit of a truly
converted and saved person.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

If we truly love God, striving to keep all the commandments will be the fruit. If we do not strive to
keep God's commandments, then we are showing that we do not love God, nor appreciate what He
did for us in giving His only begotten Son. And when you do not love God, you are denying His
name. And when you deny His name, it shows you are not truly "believing", because it is His name
which we believe on.

One of the main problems in traditional evangelical Christianity today is their failture to ascertain
Salvations three-fold process:

1. Justification
2. Sanctification
3. Glorification
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Justification translates into "have been saved", Sanctification translates into "being saved", and
Glorification translates into "we shall be saved", which is the glorification, or change of our bodies
from mortality to immortality.

The "future tense" saving (Glorification) is established in Isaiah 25:9 which, concerning the Second
Coming, states:"Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him! and he will save us! this is the LORD;
we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation!" ~ Isaiah 25:9

Not until death or the arrival of #3 can we safely say it is impossible to lose our salvation. After we
have been justified (forgiven for our past sins Romans 3:25), the next process is required. That
is sanctification. This has to do with growing in Christ, and purifying our lives from every sin and
defilement that may beset us from achieving glorification. After Justification, as long as you
continue to live, the "being saved" is a process. It is not a "one-time deal". It is a daily, living
process. A daily clinging to Christ.

Just before Jesus comes, probation will close at the falling of the 7 last plagues upon the wicked.

"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he
that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And,
behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work
shall be." (Revelation 22:11)

This is the announcement of the close of probation. Pertaining to only those who are still alive when
Jesus comes, only then are the righteous "locked" into salvation, and only then are the wicked
"locked" for destruction. But not until then.

Now let me be clear. I do not believe a saved individual suddenly "loses their salvation" the moment
they sin.

As one author puts it:

"A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or trace all the chain of
circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted.
Christ said to Nicodemus, "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound
thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is everyone that is born
of the Spirit." John 3:8. Like the wind, which is invisible, yet the effects of which are plainly
seen and felt, is the Spirit of God in its work upon the human heart. That regenerating power,
which no human eye can see, begets a new life in the soul; it creates a new being in the
image of God. While the work of the Spirit is silent and imperceptible, its effects are
manifest. If the heart has been renewed by the Spirit of God, the life will bear witness to the
fact. While we cannot do anything to change our hearts or to bring ourselves into harmony
with God; while we must not trust at all to ourselves or our good works, our lives will reveal
whether the grace of God is dwelling within us. A change will be seen in the character,
the habits, the pursuits. The contrast will be clear and decided between what they have
been and what they are. The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and
occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts." (Steps to
Christ, pg. 57)

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So it is the "tendency" of the life which determines whether a person has turned back to his life of
sin. Not an occasional sin here and there, due to man's weakness. A man may sin and feel bad for
what he's done. This shows he has not rejected Salvation. However, after man has been converted,
and truly changes his life around, and experienced the transforming power of the spirit, if later in his
life he decides "I'm going back to my old vomit", willfully transgresses after having received the
knowledge of the truth (Heb. 10:26) and purposely starts committing sins, such as adultery, leaves
his wife, starts drinking....he has begun a path to destruction. If he continues on this path, it will
ultimately lead to eternal damnation. As you can see, it is the "tendency" of the life. The "habitual"
practices of the person that reveal the character of men.

We must be able to clearly distinguish the vast difference between occasional misdeeds (as a result
of our sinful flesh), and purposely turning around in rebellion against God. King Saul is a perfect
example of this, who more than once received the spirit of God, and he prophesied. Can one honestly
say that the Spirit of God and the Gift of Prophecy will fall on a man who has never been saved?
How can one think as such? If you say "yes" to this question, then if you take this logic to its furthest
conclusion, you would be forced to conclude that the Holy Spirit and the Gift of Prophecy can fall
on wicked people. But anyone who is "not saved" is a "wicked person" in the site of God. Therefore,
we see clearly that Saul must have been saved prior to his rebellion which ultimately lead to suicide.

Now it is time to turn to some other important points, so that we may not be tempted to think that a
person who is in a lost condition is hopelessly doomed.

Allow me to stress the difference between the following:

1. A "lost" condition
2. A "damned" condition
3. A "saved" condition
4. A "glorified" condition

It is imperative that we maintain these distinctions in our mind. Now I shall elaborate on each one of
their meanings:

1. A "lost" condition - Is either before a man has been saved, or has turned around, and degrading
into a life of sin. In other words, he is on the downward path that eventually leads to destruction. He
is getting worse. In this condition, he is "lost" but not "damned". He still has a chance to repent, turn
around, and get back on the straight and narrow path that leads unto life. He is still within
probationary time where the door of mercy has not yet closed.

2. A "damned" condition - This state of being may be not discernable, and only God may know. It
is the point where God already sees that any continued warnings will be unheeded. A man in a
"damned" condition has had repeated opportunities to turn and repent. Judas, for example, after he
betrayed Christ, was in a "damned" state. He committed the unpardonable sin. The very moment that
Christ exposed Judas for who he was at the Passover Supper, Judas at that very moment could have
fell before the feet of His master and repented. But no, instead of humbling himself, he walked out
the door. At that moment, it was "no turning back". He was destined to his course of destruction, and
Judas was beyond the point of no return. During the time of Noah and the flood, the door of mercy
was still open for all the inhabitants of the Antediluvian world. But the moment the angel shut that
door of mercy, probation closed. So it is with the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. If we
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constantly reject the convictions of the Holy Spirit, its whispers become dimmer and dimmer and
dimmer, until one day, if we do not heed its warnings, it will leave us alone, and say "he is joined to
his idols, leave him alone".

3. A "saved" condition - When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, believe on His
name, repent of our sins, and begin to live a sanctified life as we allow Jesus Christ to work in us and
do of his will and good pleasure. Matthew 7:21 states... "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." This verse unequivocally proves that tied to "believing" is "doing". "Believing" translates
into "doing", otherwise, if it does not, the "belief" was fake. It was nothing more than a mere mental
ascent to the truth, and this most certainly does not constitute righteousness. "Ye
therefore, beloved [he's talking to Church members], seeing ye know these things before, beware lest
ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in
grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for
ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:17,18 ) A saved man who is yet living is growing in Grace. "Therefore
leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the
foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God" Hebrews 6:1. This is why Paul
emphasizes in Romans concerning the Jewish people: Behold therefore the goodness and severity
of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his
goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall
be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again" Romans 11:22-23. If we do not continue in His
goodness, we too will become in danger of being "cut off". And if we do not stay abiding in our
unbelief, we can be grafted back in.

4. A "glorified" condition - This is at the glorious return of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, "When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe
(because our testimony among you was believed) in that day." (2 Thess 1:10) "Behold, I show you a
mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we
shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on
immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put
on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in
victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor 15:51-55)

What do the scriptures say concerning those who have received a knowledge of the truth?

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth,
there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment
and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:26,27)

The cause of damnation here is being placed squarely on sinning after we have received a knowledge
of the truth. The reversal to this would clearly be, "if you don't wilfully sin after you have received
the knowledge of the truth, you will live, and not die". The implication forcefully concludes that
after being saved, and after committing sin wilfully, if you do not repent, you will be lost. If there is
no more sacrifice for sins, you will be lost, because this means your sins are no longer being
forgiven. Only the sacrifice of Christ can remove the penalty of sin, and if Christ's sacrifice avails
nothing to your sins, you cannot be saved. Only those who have had their sins forgiven will be able
to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Many have tried to argue that receiving a knowledge of the truth
does not equate one who was saved. I disagree, because the phrase "remaineth no more sacrifice for
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sins" proves that the individual's sins were being forgiven prior to that! When Christ's sacrifice is
availing to you, it means you are being forgiven, and only a saved person has been forgiven.

"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise
pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least
commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of
heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of
heaven." (Matthew 5:18-19)

Some have tried to argue and say that to be "least in the kingdom" means you will still be in the
kingdom, but just "least". No! That's not what the text is saying. The word "least" in Greek means,
"the lowest you can get", but it is not saying "least in the kingdom" meaning, you are in the
kingdom. It means, you are being called the "least" by those who are IN the kingdom. It is in the
kingdom of heaven where the judgment of humanity is taking place. The wicked are the very least.
Verse 19 clarifies by concluding "ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven".

Concerning those widows who go against the counsels of Christ:

"But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ,
they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith." (1 Tim
5:11,12)

Were also told that we can deny the faith:

1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own
house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (1 Timothy 5:8)

Conclusion: One with faith can cast it away. How much clearer can it get? Here is clear implication
that one who has had faith can lose salvation.

"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy
crown." (Rev 3:11)

If you have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and the crown of life awaits you, and if it is
absolutely impossible for you to lose that crown, why this warning? What is the purpose of this
warning if it is impossible? If we allow the sophistries of men to influence us, we are allowing them
to take away our crowns and throw it in the trash.

Some may argue and say that the crown has nothing to do with salvation. But let us see if this
philosophy lines up with scripture.

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive
the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." (James 1:12)

"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth
not away." (1 Peter 5:4)

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Clearly, the crowns being spoken of are the crowns of life, and to have life is to have salvation.

Regarding the Church of Ephesus, John wrote:

"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy FIRST LOVE.
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or
else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except
thou repent." (Revelation 2:4,5)

Clearly, the Church of Ephesus is in a perilous condition. This is a Church that once "had a first
love". That church was in a saved condition, but they left it. Christ is saying "repent, and do the first
works", or what? Or ELSE He will come unto them quickly, and REMOVE their candlestick out of
its place, except they repent. These are very clear passages from scripture here. The candlestick
represents the Holy Spirit, as the oil is in their lamps. This proves unequivocally that the Holy
Spirit, even after it has sealed you, will leave. Not because the Holy Spirit has broken its promise,
but because you have broken your covenant with the Holy Spirit, and purposely separated yourself
from it. The Holy Spirit will not force its will upon those who purposely reject it, just like a husband
will not force himself on an adulterous wife.

For the Christian to leave his first love, is to backslide, to fall away, to leave the Lord and His
service, and to go over to the service of sin, Satan and the world. The Lord calls upon such to repent
and do their first works (the fruits of love), or else - else what? "I will take thy candlestick out of his
place." This is an ultimatum from the Lord. If the sinner responds, repents, returns to his first love,
and does his first works, all is well and good - he will be saved. But it is his to choose. If he does not
do this, his light is removed, goes out, and the backslider is lost.

The Scriptures Teach that we must Abide in Christ:

(4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the
vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that
abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do
nothing. (6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and
men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide in me,
and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (8)
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (9) As the
Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. (10) If ye keep my
commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments,
and abide in his love. (John 15:4-10)

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever
abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little
children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is
righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For
this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (1
John 3:5-8)

As we can see, this passage from John could not be clearer that we must continue to abide in
Christ, otherwise we will be cast forth as a withered branch and eventually burned. Bear in mind
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that when you are attached to the vine, which is Christ, you are in a saved condition. But once
you willfully detach yourself from the vine, you place yourself in a lost condition (not a damned
condition). In other words, if you do not choose to turn around and get back on the path, eventually
you will reach the point of no return. This is what the Bible teaches.

Revelation is clear that those whose names are written in the book of life can be blotted out!

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take
away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which
are written in this book. (Revelation 19:22)

Clearly, when your name is already written in the book of life, you can still be blotted out.

Scriptures also teach that the Holy Spirit can leave us:

And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and
said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD
was departed from him. (Judges 16:20)

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. (Psalm 51:11)

For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.
In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love
and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But
they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he
fought against them. (Isaiah 63:8-10)

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
(Ephesians. 4:30)

Scriptures also teach that without sanctification, no one will see the Lord.

Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no on will see the Lord.
(Hebrews 12:14)

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord,
because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the
Spirit and belief of the truth. (2 Thess 2:13)

As we have studied already, sanctification is the next process after justification. Justification is
forgiveness for all your past sins. This is the first process of salvation. Sanctification is the life of
holiness one is to live after they have been justified and saved. This is where abiding in Christ, and
growing in Grace comes in.

Scriptures teach us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling!

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now
much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil
2:12)
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Scriptures teach that IF we give diligence and make our calling and election sure, we ill never
fall!

"But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he
was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your
calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." (1 Peter 1:9,10)

What beauty. What love. What solemn counsel from the words of Peter. As saved Christians, we are
commanded to give diligence, and to make our calling and election SURE. He is not writing to
unbelievers He is writing to the church, who are saved Christians! Why? Because Peter knew that
the Devil hasn't given up, and he is after the Church! He is our worst enemy. And Peter knew that
"IF" saved Christians would "give diligence", and "make their calling and election sure", they would
"never fall"!

So one may ask, what about those verses that say God will not let go of us, and nobody can
snatch us out of his hand?

Lets evaluate these verses closely:

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world
began. (Titus 1:2)

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them
out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is
able to snatch them out of My Fathers hand. (John 10:28-29)

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 creature, shall
be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans
8:38-39)

I must say that these are some of the most encouraging words I've ever read from scripture--words
that we Christians so desperately need.

However, I do believe that these verses need some clarification. While it is possible to form the
doctrine of "Once Saved Always Saved" from these verses alone, other verses clarify a deeper
understanding and a correct interpretation of these verses. Let us remember, all doctrine must be
formed from "here a little, there a little". How do we establish doctrine from scripture?

"Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are
weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon
precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little." (Isaiah 28:9, 10)

Now that we've established this understanding, we have to remember that all of God's promises
possess a conditional element. That conditional element is iterated countless times throughout
scripture with the use of the word "IF". But first, let us emphasize the key points from the above
quoted verses:

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 - "We shall never perish...."

- "Nothing can separate us...",

- "Nobody can snatch us....",

- "No one can snatch us out of the Father's hand..."

But under what conditions you ask? Answer: "IF" we continue in His goodness.

Now I shall make my biblical case for this appropriate understanding:

Romans 11:22 "IF thou continue in his goodness:otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."

2 Peter 1:10 "IF ye do these things, ye shall never fall."

Hebrews 3:14 "For we are made partakers of Christ, IF we hold the beginning of our confidence
steadfast unto the end."

2 Timothy 2:12 (RSV) "IF we endure, we shall also reign with him: If we deny him, he also will
deny us."

Hebrews 10:26 "IF we sin willfully . . . there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

1 John 2:15 "IF any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

Romans 8:13 "Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you."

John 15:14 "IF ye live after the flesh, ye shall die."

Matthew 10: 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the
end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the
end, the same shall be saved.

Revelation 3:5 "He that overcometh . . . I will not blot out his name out of the book of life."

1 John 1:7 "IF we walk in the light . . . the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

1 John 2:24 "IF that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall
continue in the Son, and in the Father."

Hebrews 10:38 "IF any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."

John 15:6 "IF a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch."

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John 8:51 "IF a man keep my saying, he shall never see death."

How much more evidence do we need brothers and sisters that the promise of salvation is
conditional? The promise holds true as long as we CONTINUE in the paths of righteousness. It
could not get any clearer.

Scriptures teach us to beware to not be led away into error and fall from our stedfastness,
rather, we are GROW in grace!

2 Peter 3:17,18 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye
also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow
in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both
now and for ever. Amen.

The following scriptures teach that finding Jesus, we can still again be entangled, an overcome, and
the end will be worse than the beginning:

2 Peter 2:2,21 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the
knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and
overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for
them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from
the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Scriptures also teach that lack of knowledge in spiritual things can destroy us.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected
knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast
forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they
which testify of me.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

One gifted author stated well our responsibility in attaining all the knowledge we can while we have
the opportunity:

The condemnation that will fall upon the nations of the earth in this day will be because of
their rejection of light, and will be similar to that which fell upon the kings of Babylon; it will
be because they have failed to make the most of present light, present opportunities for
knowing what is truth and righteousness. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result
from the fact that we have lived in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-
sent opportunities for discovering truth. The means of becoming conversant with the truth
are within the reach of all; but, like the indulgent, selfish king, we give more attention to the
things that charm the ear, and please the eye, and gratify the palate, than to the things that
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 enrich the mind, the divine treasures of truth. It is through the truth that we may answer the
great question, What must I do to be saved? {Signs of the Times, July 27, 1891 par. 1}

Scriptures teach that we are to walk in the light we have, or darkness could come upon us:

"Walk WHILE ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you" (John 12:35)

More than just belief, scriptures teach that the Holy Ghost is only given to those who obey
God:

"And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath
given TO THEM THAT OBEY HIM."(Acts 5:32)

It becomes rather clear that TRUE faith and belief TRANSLATES into OBEDIENCE. I don't know
how many times I have to say this. James 2 makes it very clear that faith without works is dead. It
simply does not exist without works. Let us not forget that Matthew 5:19-20 is absolutely clear that
those who break God's commandments will not enter the kingdom of heaven. It does not qualify
whether one is "saved" or not. It is cut out very clear for everyone. Break the commandments, you're
out of the kingdom. Plain and simple. Of course, this does not mean that one who keeps all the law
will be saved. You can keep the law, but still not be a believer in your heart. However, you still can't
be saved without obedience to God's commandments.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is
a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb 4:12

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments:
for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every
secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Ecclesiastes 12:13,14

The scriptures commend us to not cast away our confidence:

Hebrews 10:35, 36 -- "Cast not away therefore your confidence [Confidence = FAITH],
which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have
done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."

If the promise is secure to the point where we cannot reject the promise, then why does Paul
command us to not cast away our faith? If we've accepted Jesus as our savior, at this point, we
shouldn't have to worry anymore. We can sit back and just slide into heaven without any effort on
our parts.

Either we take the FULL Bible in its entire context, or we pick and choose the verses we like to form
our own preconceived ideas.

Salvation is ours and it is secure. I make this clear. But this cannot be accomplished without human
effort. God does His part, and we must do our part. There has to be a mutual agreement.

Our confidence is held steadfast by grace. God's grace has two purposes. One is cleansing grace

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(undeserved favor), but the other purpose of grace is the power to overcome sin....because Christ
wants us to grow up and become perfect.

1 Colossians 1:28, 29 --- "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in
all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Where unto I also
labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."

These two verses provide resounding proof that salvation is also obtained through our own personal
labour and our own personal striving---and what gives us strength you ask? God's grace. We pray for
strength, and God bestows his grace. His grace gives us strength and power to overcome, and by
God's grace, we WILL overcome as long as we are humble and willing to receive it.

James 4:6, 7 -- "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud,
but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and
he will flee from you."

1 Peter 5:5 -- "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be
subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth
grace to the humble.

We are also commanded to not waver in our faith:

James 1:6 -- "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave
of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

Hebrews 10:23,24 -- "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he
is faithful that promised; ) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good
works:

Verses 25 and 26 continue to build the case and clarify:

Verse 25 -- "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Verse 26 -- "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth,
there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

Now let us continue further....

Hebrews 10:38,39 --- Now the just shall live by faith: but IF any man draw back, my soul
shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but
of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

How clear this last verse is that we can turn back if we don't continue to press onward. But because
we live by faith, we will not be among those who draw back! If it were not true that we can turn
back, there would be no need for the apostle to even write this!

Some feel that this theology is convoluted, and confusing. If this is how some feel, I will further
clarify and simplify the logic:
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- Salvation is ours, as long as we hold to the profession of our faith. (Hebrews 10:23,24)
- Salvation is ours as long as we "remain" faithful (1 John 2:24)
- Salvation is ours as long as we stay "steadfast to the end" (Hebrews 3:14)
- Salvation is ours as long as we do not "draw back" (Hebrews 38:38,39)

Any man, including saved Christians, can choose to jump ship. But by God's grace, He will give us
strength to stay the course through, to the end. By our works, we show our faith, and God bestows
His grace by which we receive strength. In the ship = saved. Jump ship = One who used His will to
jump ship and draw back.

I want the reader to also know that I do not believe that we lose our salvation when we sin. No one is
perfect, this I perfectly understand. What makes us lose our salvation is that we choose not to repent
after we have sinned and continue sinning. But a true Christian who sins will repent and turn
away from his sin, and keep pressing on. But this does not negate that he can turn away from his
righteousness. It does not negate that he can choose to continue in the opposite direction. God is
amazing like this. He doesn't make us robots. He gives us the power of the will--the power of the
choice to get-up-and-go in whichever way we choose.

As for the sins that we do not know we commit, we are not held accountable for that which we do
not know. You are responsible for only that light which has been imparted on you. If we later
discover a sin, as Christians, we immediately choose to put it away. As we walk and grow in
Christianity, we do all that we know to be right. This is perfection in Christ. But once sin is shown to
us, and once we become aware of it, we will choose to put it away if we intend to continue moving
forward and plan to make it into the pearly gates in the end.

A Lesson from Joe Cruise:

I will now quote an excerpt from Joe Crews article Can a Saved Man Choose to be Lost?

Saved - Past, Present and Future

Bill Jones is fishing several miles out in the ocean. His boat capsizes and sinks to the bottom.
He is unable to swim to safety. Just then, another fishing boat comes along, but it is so
heavily loaded that it is impossible to take on another passenger. Because they want to rescue
the doomed man, however, the crew throws him a rope.

"Here, take this rope," they say. "We will tow you to shore." As he takes the rope, Bill Jones
says, "Thank God, I am saved!" And he is saved, as long as he holds on to the rope. Salvation
is his, but he has a part to play in it. If he should at any time release his grasp on the rope and
refuse to take it again, he would be lost. So it is with a person who has been rescued from sin.
He remains saved as long as he holds on to the hand of Christ. If he should decide to release
that hand and clasp the hand of the devil, he would be lost. His salvation depends on his
decision and his action. [Note: James 2 confirms this that we show our faith by our works.]

Actually, one can properly speak of salvation in three tenses -past, present, and future. He
can say, "I have been saved" when he takes the rope, "I am being saved" as he is being towed
to shore; and "I shall be saved" when he plants his feet firmly on shore. A converted person -
has been saved- from the penalty of sin. We call that justification. He -is being saved- from
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 the power of sin, and we call that sanctification. He -shall be saved- from the presence of
sin when Christ comes, and that will be glorification. All three of these tenses are used in the
Bible in connection with being saved.

In Romans 8:24 is the expression, "We are saved by hope." Weymouth is a more accurate
translation. He says, "We have been saved," past tense. The Revised Standard Version
correctly renders the phrase in 1 Corinthians 1:18 as "To us who are being saved." Then Acts
15:11 states, "that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved." So you
see past, present, and future.

Now let's make sure that no one gets the wrong impression from our illustration of the man
being rescued from drowning. Does the fact that he must cling to the rope to be saved, mean
that we can earn our salvation by our own works? Absolutely not, a thousand times no!
Remember that he was being towed by a power other than his own. He was merely
cooperating with that power. He was holding on to the rope. He had to do that in order to be
pulled to safety. As Christians we must confess our faith in Christ, we must remain
steadfast to Him, we must bring forth the fruits of obedience; that is our part in holding on
to Christ. He will never let us go. The only way we can separate ourselves from Him is to cut
ourselves off deliberately and disconnect ourselves from Him, but we have the power to
do that. We are still free moral agents. Our will has not been removed merely because we
have become Christians.

At any point in our Christian life we can decide to turn back, to choose the things of the
world rather than the things of God and heaven. We are saved only through faith in Jesus
Christ as our Saviour. "There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby
we must be saved." Acts 4:12. However, we show our faith by our works. It is a
manifestation of our love for Him. Keeping God's commandments and doing right are merely
the result of His Holy Spirit dwelling in the heart. These are the fruits of the Spirit. We do
these things, not in order to be saved, but because we are saved, and as long as we love the
Lord with all our heart, we are going to be obedient to Him. We will not let go of the rope.
We will continue to cling to Christ as our only hope. (Joe Crews, Can a Saved Man
Choose to be Lost?)

I say a HARDY AMEN to these words of wisdom!

Conclusion
We have now established this crucial point for any Bible believing Christian: Once we are saved in
Christ, we can still choose to cast away our salvation and fall away. But if we endure to the
end and are watchful unto prayer, we shall be saved in Gods eternal kingdom when He
returns to claim his children.

Friends, there is no trifling with the word of God. It is up to you what you decide to do with this
message that is given to you. It is provided straight from the word of God in clear and concise
format. Take heed to these words, and carefully and prayerfully analyze all that you believe. Let
every believer ask himself, "Is what I believe in full harmony with the word of God, or am I basing
my beliefs on my preconceived notions stemming from what I have been taught? Let us remember
that the issues presented in this study run contrary to this modern teaching that many ministers today
30
have been expounding from the popular pulpits for years! The early Christian church did not
believe this way. Could this be one reason why Christ has not yet returned? Because so many have
come to believe that once they receive Christ, there can be no turning away? The teaching that leads
to the once saved always saved utterly fails to stand up to close biblical scrutiny and is leading far
too many into a "false sense of security in their belief. This popular belief, furthermore, is leading
thousands into a position that is equally dangerous for many. It is one which causes a troubling
sense of insecurity. This insecurity is manifested by the fact that although one may believe he or
she has been saved, the question continues to linger, Have I really been saved? Or am I self
deceived?

May God help us see our need of daily surrendering to Him.

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross daily, and follow me.

by Marcos Schroeckenthaler (online Screen Name: Lysimachus)

Contact Info:

Email:
lysimachus@gmail.com
Phone: 715-617-9355

Additional Notes:

Matthew 10: 22 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the
end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the
end, the same shall be saved.

Revelation 3:5 "He that overcometh . . . I will not blot out his name out of the book of life."

1 John 1:7 "If we walk in the light . . . the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

1 John 2:24 "If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall
continue in the Son, and in the Father."

Hebrews 10:38 "If any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."

John 15:6 "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch."

John 8:51 "If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death."

Romans 11:22 "If thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."

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2 Peter 1:10 "If ye do these things, ye shall never fall."

Hebrews 3:14 "For we are made partakers of Christ, If we hold the beginning of our confidence
steadfast unto the end."

2 Timothy 2:12 (RSV) "If we endure, we shall also reign with him: If we deny him, he also will deny
us."

Hebrews 10:26 "If we sin willfully . . . there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

1 John 2:15 "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

Romans 8:13 "Ye are my friends, If ye do whatsoever I command you."

John 15:14 "If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die."

Hebrews 10:23 opens up a line of argument against the once-saved, always-saved position that no
one can refute. The passage begins this way: "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without
wavering." And after that, admonition is given those who might be tempted to absent themselves
from the assembly of the believers. Apparently, this is one of the first signs of slipping backward.
The author of this epistle, and I think it was Paul, includes himself in the warning. He writes, "For if
we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more
sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall
devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three
witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden
under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified,
an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace"

"Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy FIRST LOVE. Remember
therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto
thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." Revelation 2:4,
5

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