Monday, July 23, 2007

To Save or Not to Save

So, I have been thinking about a question for a few days now. Last week at our bible study, we talked about what views of our may not line up with God's views. We were challenged to list those views, then find Scripture that explained God's views on the various topics. One of my friends in the group, Annie, said she was going to look up what God says about salvation. She wanted to know- "once saved, always saved?" I have not been able to get the topic out of my mind.

I guess I should first start off by giving my definition of salvation. I believe that it is a gift from God. Key word -GIFT- not something that we can earn. I believe that God gave His son, Jesus Christ, so that we might have salvation. I believe that salvation is offered to each and every one of us, but it is our choice as to whether or not we will accept God's gift. I believe that the only way to heaven is by receiving this gift of salvation, which is done by confessing that we are sinners, asking God for forgiveness of our sins, and declaring that Jesus is our savior (in a nutshell). I do not believe that we can get to heaven based on good works or deeds. In my opinion, because the Bible states, the only way to heaven is through Jesus. If there was another way, why would Christ have had to die on the cross?

Ok, so back to the original question- "Can your salvation be lost or taken away?"
I am going to try very hard to keep this post from rambling, but bear with me here...

Let me just start off by saying that I do not believe that your salvation can be lost. I believe that once saved, always saved. Let me also say that I have not researched every piece of Scripture that may touch upon this subject. I just wanted to open the subject up to debate.

I have to believe that salvation cannot be lost. Otherwise, how could I truly be secure in my own salvation? I can remember the exact day that I received Christ. I was sitting with my friends Beth and Amber. We were just talking about God and Christ and all that.... I had no intentions of receiving Christ that night, but the more these two friends talked, I was led to accepting Jesus as my savior. I am so thankful they took the time to answer my questions, because that night changed my life and my eternity.

If salvation could be lost, what is the deal breaker? I mean, are there certain sins that loses your salvation? Do you have to turn your back on God for "X" amount of times? What if I live a life for God, but after extreme trauma or crisis, I lash out at God, yell at Him, tell Him I can't have anything to do with a God who would allow me to go through such pain and die in an accident almost immediately afterwards? (extreme situation, I know, but what if?) Would God know my heart and that I was saying things out of anger or would He take that outburst literally and my eternity would be doomed?

I believe that sin is sin. I think some people disagree with this. I have talked to a few people who believe in a sort of "heirarchy of sin". Murder is worse than lying, adultery is worse than idoltry, stealing is worse than jealousy.. that type of thing. In my mind, sin is sin. I believe that we all are sinners, we will always be sinners. None of us are going to live a sinless life- period. Because I believe that all sin is equal, I believe that a wife who cheats on her husband, but goes to God and asks forgiveness is going to heaven, just as much as the daughter who lies to her parents about what time she got home. Does that make sense?

Ok, I think I am almost officially at the point of rambling. But, if you have any opinion on this subject, leave me a post. Like I said, I have been thinking about this for about 4 days and I love to hear other's thoughts on it. If you have Scripture to back up your opinion, I'd love to know that too..... Even if you haven't thought about this before, just let me know your initial reaction.
I can't wait to hear your thoughts.....

Have a great day! :)

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree with your point of view. Salvation cannot be taken away, or lost. And sin is sin. We're all sinners no matter if we lie, steal, cheat, whatever...in God's eyes it's all the same. I believe that sin does separate us from God, but once we are saved, that separation is only temporary and dissolves once we ask for forgiveness and repent.
Great post!
God bless :)

Erin said...

Very good post. Very thought provoking.

By the way, I tagged you for a meme.

Anonymous said...

I have always believed in God's Promises....That is what I stand on!...." For Who so ever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life!"

I thank Him for His Son, and the peace in knowing that I will never be separated from Him!

I pray that all will find him, and be added to the Book Of Life!

Love Mom

Unknown said...

Corie, in your question about losing faith, lashing out at God and then dying, I think that, even though that person was hateful, it was at that moment and it was their way of dealing with whatever had just happened to them. I think ultimately, that God won't judge that person based on that, but based on what is truly in their heart. And he/she will be judged at their judgement time and it is at that time that God gives them the choice. I think even if that person was hateful (or whatever) there at the end before they died, that no matter what they did, God is willing to give them a second chance and He will do it at judgment. Does that make sense? That's my thought anyway.

I love this topic and it really was very thought-provoking. I hope you'll talk more about this subject and tell us what you found out. What does Beth and Rod say??

love,
Val

Robin said...

Corie, I have been getting behind on your blog and just was getting caught up when I came across this wonderful blog. I have the same opinion on salvation and my husband disagrees. He thinks you can lose your salvation, especially if you commit suicide. I tried to explain to him sin is sin and if you take your own life, that is a sin just as any other and you are mentally sick if you do that. Needless to say, I try to stay away from the subject with him. I truly hope you can be an influence on Dough. He has drifted so far away and it breaks my heart to see the way he chooses to live his life. He has such an opportunity with his job and all his friends to be such a witness. I'd really appreciate hearing from you.(sistersister1956@yahoo.com)

Juryizstillout said...

Yeah, I have this convo with people all the time...who could possibly take us out of the Father's hand? Not even us.

My son (22) constantly 'disowns' me as his mom. Usually when I don't agree with his lifestyle and say so. Does it mean I stop loving him or he's not my son? No, that will never change. That's the way I feel about God.

Good post!
BTW, I've been lurking from CWO ring for awhile. Sorry I've just gotten around to say hello.

Anonymous said...

hey Corie!

I'm so glad you love God...keep it up - I have a few scriptures to share with you that about pretty cool about salvation...

1 Peter 3:21
Acts 2:38
Acts 3:19

Fabulous - hope you have a wonderful day and keep pursuing him! My email is dkoe@umich.edu if you want to get in touch :D

- Diane