CAN YOU LOSE YOUR SALVATION IF YOU DON’T ‘Hold Firmly’?

[Billiards Ball]

I'd like to ask those who reject assurance to tell us why salvation isn't a free gift, per John 3:16, Romans 6:23, etc.

 

Thanks!

[PeterR]

In brief. Salvation can only be lost by those who have never achieved it. If someone feels he has fallen out of grace, he can seek it again as long as the period of grace lasts. God is definitely the one who gives you a second chance.

[Waggles]

9 hours ago, Billiards Ball said:

I'd like to ask those who reject assurance to tell us why salvation isn't a free gift, per John 3:16, Romans 6:23, etc.

 

Thanks!

yes it is a free gift, one to be treasured.

But unfortunately some peoples squander their gifts, and put them back on the shelf or in a box.

Disciples really do quench the Spirit and really do let their lamps run empty. 

[Paul James]

On 1/29/2021 at 10:55 AM, Willa said:

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were renouncing Christ and turning back to the Jewish religion.  I do believe it is possible for a person to renounce their faith, but it may be due to allowing their hearts to grow cold due to unrepented sin.  Sins of the heart like pride and self-righteousness can be very devious.  It is so important to stay in fellowship.  It is a scary thing to lose our desire to fellowship, to pray or to read our Bibles.  This should be a wake up call to any Christian.  

We are warned that in the last days there will be apostates.   2 Thes. 2:3.   We need to be on guard.

 

The parable of the sower shows that not all who start out in the faith will end up being saved at the end.  It shows that some will start off with a big religious hiss and a roar, but will fall away after a short while when persecution and problems arise.   If "once saved always saved" is true, then  all those who start out on the faith will be saved at the end.  According to the parable of the sower, that is not true.

[Paul James]

8 minutes ago, Josheb said:

Is that in fact what that parable says? 

Who, exactly, does the parable say is saved?

the Bible says that he who endures to the end will be saved.   It is not how a person starts out in the faith, but how he ends.

[Waggles]

5 hours ago, Josheb said:

What you are saying means humans can render God's work worthless.

Opinion opinion opinion

The truth of the matter is that Christians of all walks do throw in the towel.

God is ever faithful and desires that all come to salvation, but sheep do wander and stray out of the fold. some may return, but many do not.

Edited April 15, 2021 by Waggles

[Billiards Ball]

15 hours ago, Waggles said:

yes it is a free gift, one to be treasured.

But unfortunately some peoples squander their gifts, and put them back on the shelf or in a box.

Disciples really do quench the Spirit and really do let their lamps run empty. 

My gift included the death of my old man and an adoption certificate. I'm God's child and Satan cannot resurrect my old man and take me up as his child again.

Your understanding of assurance is based on your understanding of salvation--and what a gift is. If you're starving and I pay for a gift of food to you, I do not watch your life for decades to come so you can vomit up and return food to me. Jesus paid for my eternal life and I will cling to Him, though my brothers and sisters long to tell me that Jesus is angrily taking back my free gift if I sin or backslide.

[Waggles]

8 hours ago, Josheb said:

Stop posting your opinion and prove it. Start that proof by showing me a single example of that happening in the New Testament epistolary. Just one.

We are not living in the times of the NT - we are living now here in our own times. You need to open your eyes and see what people professing to be born again Christians end up doing. Many leave their father and reside with the swine. 

Get out into the real world. 

[Paul James]

9 hours ago, Josheb said:

That is not an answer to my question. Who in the parable of the sower does the text say is saved?

The seed that falls on the good ground and grows to bear fruit are those who are saved.   This is totally in line with the Scripture (as I previously quoted): "He who endures to the end will be saved."

[Paul James]

13 minutes ago, Josheb said:

That's not an answer to the question asked. Could I please, would you please answer the question(s). 

Go back and re-read them. Think about the answer(s). Then please post your answer. 

Because right now.... we are not having a conversation. I asked a question because I want to discuss this and I don't understand why the question is not being answered.... when it could be being answered.

Sounds like your question is a loaded one where you already have your preconceived answer.   It is obvious to me that the answer I provided does not fit into your preconceived view, so I have nothing more to say about it.