Lesson 5 - Once my God saves me, I'm always saved
This belief is rooted in the teaching that a person cannot fall from grace once they are truly saved. Of course if a "saved" person does "fall" then the assertion is they were never truly saved to begin with. In this lesson we will examine verses and questions that both seem support and reject this principle coming to a Biblical conclusion on this matter.
Questions
The following are questions written in a book by a Baptist preacher by the name of Dr. Hugh Pile that are related to our study.
If my past sins are forgiven when I am baptized in water, and it is possible for me to "lose my salvation" and go to hell after being baptized, then wouldn't my best chance of going to heaven be to drown in the baptistry?!! - before I had a chance to sin so as to be lost again? If I wanted to be absolutely sure of heaven, isn't that my best opportunity?
Although this question seems "tongue-in-cheek it deserves a serious answer. The obedient act of baptism requires a complete immersion and resurrection from the water. After this obedient act your sins are forgiven by God and you are a new creature. If then you decide to take your own life, or allow it to be taken, you are guilty of the sin of murder. Suicide is not a matter to be joked about as this question would lead you to believe. Furthermore after such a wonderful transformation who would not be overjoyed to immediately go and share their new found faith with friends and loved ones in danger of an eternity in Hell. Only a sinful, self centered person would attempt to end their own life before sharing the gospel with others.
Let's extend this question to the next logically level (and saying this question is logical is a stretch). If we should be drowned after baptism and before we sin, should we also kill all babies soon after their birth, but before their first sin? Of course not! Using the questions twisted logic we should so they would be "absolutely sure of heaven." The absurd notion of murder, or suicide, while in a sin free state does not stand up to the test of logic or scripture.
If as a Christian I can sin so as to "lose my salvation," just what sin or sins will place me in such danger? Is it possible to know at what point one has committed such a sin, and become lost again? Please be specific and give clear Bible references.
This question might lead people to believe that some sin is worse than others. This is just not the case. Any unforgiven sin, whether murder or telling white lies, is cause to be separated from the God (Romans 6:23). Rating sin is a dangerous game because it minimizes wrongful acts and excuses them as minor. A person is in danger of hell at whatever point they are outside the grace of our forgiving and loving Heavenly Father. Galatians 4:7 says when we rid ourselves of sin we become God's son.
If as a Christian I can fall and "lose my salvation," is it possible to regain it? If so, how? If God "takes away" my salvation, doesn't that make Him an "Indian giver"? How could I ever know for sure that I was saved or lost?
A Christian does not "lose" his salvation, but he can surrender it. In Acts 8:13 Simon believed what Phillip was preaching about Christ and was baptized. Many will say that perhaps Simon was not really saved, but the ONLY reason to make this claim is because of the next few verses when he sins and falls from the grace of God. Simon was saved in verse 13 (even if you apply the often wrongly held view that faith alone saved since the Bible says he believed). In Acts 8:18-19 Simon sinned when he offered to buy the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. This caused Peter to pronounce his judgment and said his heart was "not right with God" in Acts 8:20-21. Peter then tells Simon how to right himself in God's eyes in verse Acts 8:22.
When we sin and surrender our salvation God is not ripping our salvation from us. Salvation is a gift (Romans 6:23) and like any gift it can be surrendered by the one who receives it. Salvation is also an inheritance (Acts 26:18) and an inheritance can be revoked.
After becoming a Christian, are there any sins that will put me beyond the "point of no return" so that I cannot regain salvation? What sin or sins will put me in such jeopardy, so that, after becoming a Christian, I would be doomed to hell without any recourse? Please be specific and give me clear Bible references.
The simple answer is, no.
If I committed some sin -whether in thought, word, or deed, one minute before a fatal car crash - would I go to hell if I did not have time to repent of it? And, please, don't just say that it's up to God without giving me a specific Bible reference.
The Bible speaks many times of your being on guard since we do not know when we will be called before the judgment seat of God (~Mathew 24:36~, 42; Matthew 25:13; ~Thessalonians 5:1-5~). Why is it so import that we "watch" if there is no need to be concerned about our soul's state? Part of this "watching" is being prepared, at a moments notice, for death or the second coming of Christ. If unforgiven sin keeps us out of Heaven, and the Bible says it does (Acts 26:18), then we can not enter Heaven unless we are sin free. This is God's way and we have no right to change it. The simple fact of the matter is God's grace covers our sin Ephesians 1:7. When we are rooted in the center of God's grace we are protected from Damnation.
Scriptures
The following scriptures show clearly that salvation may be surrendered by the human who fall back into their sinful ways.
Matthew 10:22
22 "And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.
Matthew 24:13
13 "But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.
Mark 4:16-16
16 "These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 "and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.
Mark 13:13
13 "And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.
Luke 22:31-32
31 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."
John 8:31-32
31 Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Romans 2:7
7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;
1 Corinthians 9:27
27 but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 15:58
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
Ephesians 6:13
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Colossians 1:23
23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.
1 Timothy 4:1
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
Hebrews 3:12-14
12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end;
Hebrews 10:36
36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
2 Peter 3:17
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness,
1 John 1:7
7 but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Revelation 2:10
10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 3:5
5 'He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.
Revelation 3:11
11 'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown.
Print
This belief is rooted in the teaching that a person cannot fall from grace once they are truly saved. Of course if a "saved" person does "fall" then the assertion is they were never truly saved to begin with. In this lesson we will examine verses and questions that both seem support and reject this principle coming to a Biblical conclusion on this matter.
Questions
The following are questions written in a book by a Baptist preacher by the name of Dr. Hugh Pile that are related to our study.
If my past sins are forgiven when I am baptized in water, and it is possible for me to "lose my salvation" and go to hell after being baptized, then wouldn't my best chance of going to heaven be to drown in the baptistry?!! - before I had a chance to sin so as to be lost again? If I wanted to be absolutely sure of heaven, isn't that my best opportunity?
Although this question seems "tongue-in-cheek it deserves a serious answer. The obedient act of baptism requires a complete immersion and resurrection from the water. After this obedient act your sins are forgiven by God and you are a new creature. If then you decide to take your own life, or allow it to be taken, you are guilty of the sin of murder. Suicide is not a matter to be joked about as this question would lead you to believe. Furthermore after such a wonderful transformation who would not be overjoyed to immediately go and share their new found faith with friends and loved ones in danger of an eternity in Hell. Only a sinful, self centered person would attempt to end their own life before sharing the gospel with others.
Let's extend this question to the next logically level (and saying this question is logical is a stretch). If we should be drowned after baptism and before we sin, should we also kill all babies soon after their birth, but before their first sin? Of course not! Using the questions twisted logic we should so they would be "absolutely sure of heaven." The absurd notion of murder, or suicide, while in a sin free state does not stand up to the test of logic or scripture.
If as a Christian I can sin so as to "lose my salvation," just what sin or sins will place me in such danger? Is it possible to know at what point one has committed such a sin, and become lost again? Please be specific and give clear Bible references.
This question might lead people to believe that some sin is worse than others. This is just not the case. Any unforgiven sin, whether murder or telling white lies, is cause to be separated from the God (Romans 6:23). Rating sin is a dangerous game because it minimizes wrongful acts and excuses them as minor. A person is in danger of hell at whatever point they are outside the grace of our forgiving and loving Heavenly Father. Galatians 4:7 says when we rid ourselves of sin we become God's son.
If as a Christian I can fall and "lose my salvation," is it possible to regain it? If so, how? If God "takes away" my salvation, doesn't that make Him an "Indian giver"? How could I ever know for sure that I was saved or lost?
A Christian does not "lose" his salvation, but he can surrender it. In Acts 8:13 Simon believed what Phillip was preaching about Christ and was baptized. Many will say that perhaps Simon was not really saved, but the ONLY reason to make this claim is because of the next few verses when he sins and falls from the grace of God. Simon was saved in verse 13 (even if you apply the often wrongly held view that faith alone saved since the Bible says he believed). In Acts 8:18-19 Simon sinned when he offered to buy the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. This caused Peter to pronounce his judgment and said his heart was "not right with God" in Acts 8:20-21. Peter then tells Simon how to right himself in God's eyes in verse Acts 8:22.
When we sin and surrender our salvation God is not ripping our salvation from us. Salvation is a gift (Romans 6:23) and like any gift it can be surrendered by the one who receives it. Salvation is also an inheritance (Acts 26:18) and an inheritance can be revoked.
After becoming a Christian, are there any sins that will put me beyond the "point of no return" so that I cannot regain salvation? What sin or sins will put me in such jeopardy, so that, after becoming a Christian, I would be doomed to hell without any recourse? Please be specific and give me clear Bible references.
The simple answer is, no.
If I committed some sin -whether in thought, word, or deed, one minute before a fatal car crash - would I go to hell if I did not have time to repent of it? And, please, don't just say that it's up to God without giving me a specific Bible reference.
The Bible speaks many times of your being on guard since we do not know when we will be called before the judgment seat of God (~Mathew 24:36~, 42; Matthew 25:13; ~Thessalonians 5:1-5~). Why is it so import that we "watch" if there is no need to be concerned about our soul's state? Part of this "watching" is being prepared, at a moments notice, for death or the second coming of Christ. If unforgiven sin keeps us out of Heaven, and the Bible says it does (Acts 26:18), then we can not enter Heaven unless we are sin free. This is God's way and we have no right to change it. The simple fact of the matter is God's grace covers our sin Ephesians 1:7. When we are rooted in the center of God's grace we are protected from Damnation.
Scriptures
The following scriptures show clearly that salvation may be surrendered by the human who fall back into their sinful ways.
Matthew 10:22
22 "And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.
Matthew 24:13
13 "But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.
Mark 4:16-16
16 "These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 "and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.
Mark 13:13
13 "And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.
Luke 22:31-32
31 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."
John 8:31-32
31 Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Romans 2:7
7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;
1 Corinthians 9:27
27 but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 15:58
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
Ephesians 6:13
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Colossians 1:23
23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.
1 Timothy 4:1
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
Hebrews 3:12-14
12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end;
Hebrews 10:36
36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
2 Peter 3:17
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness,
1 John 1:7
7 but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Revelation 2:10
10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 3:5
5 'He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.
Revelation 3:11
11 'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
"Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."
"Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."
"And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money," "Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost."
"But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money." Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
"Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."
"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
