Jesus promise: Recipients of eternal life will never perish!

[FreeGrace]

• Jesus promised this: all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth

• Jesus promised this: those who have done good, to the resurrection of life

• Jesus promised this: those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. John 5:28-29

Jesus said that recipients of eternal life will never perish in John 10:28.

Can some recipients of eternal life perish?

Here is another promise of Jesus:

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
Matthew 19:29

I am hopeful that my question will be answered.

 

[FreeGrace]

I said this:
"Then the next obvious question is why some do not see eternal security in Eph 1:13,14."

I'm not sure why some don't see eternal security in those passages. I do.

That's not what's being communicated from your posts. If one does see eternal security in Eph 1:13,14 as being claimed, then that one CANNOT believe that those who have been sealed can become unsealed or out of union with Christ.

So, please explain this dichotomy.

It actually does not refute that salvation can be lost.

If that were true, then the opening claim cannot be true, as you've agreed on seeing eternal security in Eph 1:13,14.

If eternal security is true, then one's salvation CANNOT BE LOST. Period.

It only states that salvation is in Christ, and that He is the guarentee of our inheritence.

It seems the meaning of "guarantee" is lost on you.

If you would, please copy and paste, then underline where it says "salvation cannot be lost".

Where is the verse that SAYS that "salvation can be lost". lol

Jesus' promise to recipients of eternal life is that they will never perish.

How is the promise of never perishing NOT eternal security?

If salvation could be lost, then Jesus' promise is worthless.

No, the guarantee is never worthless.

It sure is if salvation can be lost, or any recipient of eternal life can perish.

It is only worthless to those who consider it worthless.

There have been several posters who claim that eternal security is a man made doctrine. How's that for "worthless"? It seems the "loss of salvation" camp sees the guarantee in Eph 1:13,14 and Jesus' promise in John 10:28 as worthless then.

Those who deny the seal obviously consider it worthless.

Since the seal is true, the guarantee is real. This isn't about how some view things. It's about the reality of truth.

And the truth is: recipients of eternal life will never perish. That means getting to heaven has never been up to us. It's always totally up to God. He gives eternal life and as a result, recipients will never perish.

I have never read that God forces someone to consider something of worth, but rather gives people the ability to choose for themselves what they will worship.

Not the issue. The issue is only about recipients of eternal life. They will never perish, so said Jesus.

If you choose to deny the inheritance God will not force it on you. Do you believe God forces people to believe?

More irrelevance. The issue is only about recipients of eternal life. Jesus said they will never perish?

Can any recipient of eternal life perish, for any reason? yes or no.

I was quoting out of Matthew. I am pretty sure I did not read about a "GREAT tribulation - 7 year period". Could you please underline post where it says that in Matthew. I read the following.

Mat 24:9-14
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

From Matt 24 -
15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—

A direct reference to the anti-Christ of the 7 year Tribulation.

Then these verses from the context:
21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.
22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

And, if that isn't enough for convincing one that the passage is about the 7 year Tribulation:
27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

This is about the Second Advent or Coming of Christ, which is at the end of the 7 year Tribulation.

The person who looses out on eternal life is the person who is not in Christ.

That would be those who NEVER believed on Christ and therefore NEVER received eternal life. Only those.

You are free to reject a gift.

Irrelevant. Jesus promised recipients of eternal life that they will never perish.

This is what He NEVER promised:
"I give them eternal life, AND AS LONG AS they don't reject it, they will never perish."

There are many who reject the gift of God.

Yes. All unbelievers will perish. Rev 20:15. They perish because they never received eternal life.

Where does the Bible say that only some will reign with Christ?

It is implicit in 2 Tim 2:12.

I said this:
"If any believer can be denied entrance into heaven, then Eph 1:13,14 and John 10:28 cannot be true."

Oh, I would not say they cannot be true. I personally believe all that the Bible says is true.

So it appears your view is that the Bible is internally contradicted then??

John 10:28 guarantees that recipients of eternal life will never perish. Yet, from my statement, you've indicated that the first part, "if any believer can be denied entrance into heaven" is also true.

How can that be true WHEN the truth is that recipients of eternal life will never perish??

I tell you what, if you can show me the verses that say someone cannot be unsealed, then I will believe you.

The evidence for that truth is found within Eph 1:13,14, 4:30 and 2 Cor 1:22 and 5:5. It's there for all who have eyes to see.

The real question is where is any verse that says someone CAN be unsealed.

But if you cannot, then why should anyone believe such an idea?

Eph 1:13,14 is enough evidence to believe that the sealing is permanent. That's what God's guarantee MEANS.

And, the FACT that there are NO VERSES that support the opposite; that a believer can be unsealed.

My evidence is Eph 1:13,14 itself. Where is the evidence for your claims?

 

[FreeGrace]

John 10:28 is talking about his sheep. His sheep will never perish. I don't see any contradiction. His sheep will endure to the end.

John 10:28 is about eternal security. To "never perish" is based SOLELY on being a recipient of eternal life.

Can any recipient of eternal life ever perish?

 

[MarkT]

Jesus said that recipients of eternal life will never perish in John 10:28.

Can some recipients of eternal life perish?


I am hopeful that my question will be answered.

Jesus said his sheep will never perish. I don't see the word, 'recipient'.

 

[MarkT]

When one reads that in Matthew...they should read the entire chapter, then ask:
Endures what?
To the end of what?
Is saved from what?

Jesus said, “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death; and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away, and betray one another, and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because wickedness is multiplied, most men’s love will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come. Mt. 24:9-14

Jesus said we must endure hatred and betrayal and false teaching and false prophets and tribulation even unto death. The end will be when Jesus returns and he puts an end to all the violence. Those who endure to the end will be saved from the wrath of God.

 

[Nathan]

That's not what's being communicated from your posts. If one does see eternal security in Eph 1:13,14 as being claimed, then that one CANNOT believe that those who have been sealed can become unsealed or out of union with Christ.
So, please explain this dichotomy.

I can, I am not sure why you cannot? I suppose it is you that will have to explain why you do not see it, because I am sure that I see it.

If that were true, then the opening claim cannot be true, as you've agreed on seeing eternal security in Eph 1:13,14.
If eternal security is true, then one's salvation CANNOT BE LOST. Period.

I do agree that we are eternally secure. I am not sure why it is hard to understand that it does not mean we can choose to deny it. How come you do not understand we can choose to deny it? If you deny something do you still have it? If I offered you something and you denied it, would you still take it? If you took it, did you actually deny it?

Where is the verse that SAYS that "salvation can be lost". lol
Jesus' promise to recipients of eternal life is that they will never perish.
How is the promise of never perishing NOT eternal security?
If salvation could be lost, then Jesus' promise is worthless.

Yea, I was kind of hoping you could show where in that verse it said salvation cannot be lost. I kind of figured you might not be able to underline it for me, but I thought I would ask anyways since you always ask the same question. I am sorry if you think that Jesus promise is worthless due to the fact some deny it. I do not think it is worthless myself, regardless of whether or not someone believes what they do. I for one do not pretend to place value or de-value something based on what a mere human says.

Since the seal is true, the guarantee is real. This isn't about how some view things. It's about the reality of truth.
And the truth is: recipients of eternal life will never perish. That means getting to heaven has never been up to us. It's always totally up to God. He gives eternal life and as a result, recipients will never perish.

Yes, your correct, it is about the truth. The truth is that those in Christ have life and those who are not in Him do not have life. That is what the Bible says. I find its better to trust in what all the Bible says than what I want to see part of the Bible saying.

1Jo 5:12
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Rom 8:9
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

Rom 8:14
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

More irrelevance. The issue is only about recipients of eternal life. Jesus said they will never perish?

Can any recipient of eternal life perish, for any reason? yes or no.

No, if you deny eternal life then you will perish because you no longer have it. Eternal life is only given to those who have the Son and are led by the Spirit. If you deny the Son of God you do not get to have His Spirit. If you do not have the Spirit, you do not belong to Him, and you do not have eternal life.

Can you have the Spirit of God if you deny the Son? yes or no.

From Matt 24 -
15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—

A direct reference to the anti-Christ of the 7 year Tribulation.

Then these verses from the context:
21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.
22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

And, if that isn't enough for convincing one that the passage is about the 7 year Tribulation:
27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

This is about the Second Advent or Coming of Christ, which is at the end of the 7 year Tribulation.

That is talking about the end of the age. We are in the end of the age.

1Co 10:11
Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.

Irrelevant. Jesus promised recipients of eternal life that they will never perish.

This is what He NEVER promised:
"I give them eternal life, AND AS LONG AS they don't reject it, they will never perish."

Actually, you never say "I give them eternal life, and they cannot reject it, so they will never perish".

However, we do read that He says;
Jhn 6:53-54
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

Yes. All unbelievers will perish. Rev 20:15. They perish because they never received eternal life.

You are correct, all unbelievers will perish. Now, please underline the part where is says because they never received eternal life. Are you adding words and conditions that are not there?

It is implicit in 2 Tim 2:12.
I said this:
"If any believer can be denied entrance into heaven, then Eph 1:13,14 and John 10:28 cannot be true."

Right, if we endure we will reign. Now, where does it state that only some will reign? On the other hand, what do we know if some do not endure?

Mat 24:13
But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

So it appears your view is that the Bible is internally contradicted then??
John 10:28 guarantees that recipients of eternal life will never perish. Yet, from my statement, you've indicated that the first part, "if any believer can be denied entrance into heaven" is also true.
How can that be true WHEN the truth is that recipients of eternal life will never perish??

No, why make a false statement toward me? Do you like to put yourself into the seat of an accuser? I never stated I viewed the Bible as internally contradicted.

Are you attacking me because I speak the truth? I have never said a believer could be denied entrance into heaven. In fact, the opposite is true. Only those who believe will be in Heaven.

Jhn 3:18
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

The evidence for that truth is found within Eph 1:13,14, 4:30 and 2 Cor 1:22 and 5:5. It's there for all who have eyes to see.
The real question is where is any verse that says someone CAN be unsealed.

Actually, the truth is found in all of the Words of God. Not just some of them. The real-real question is where is any verse that says someone cannot deny Christ, who is our seal? If you deny something I wanted to give to you, do you still have it?

Eph 1:13,14 is enough evidence to believe that the sealing is permanent. That's what God's guarantee MEANS.
And, the FACT that there are NO VERSES that support the opposite; that a believer can be unsealed.
My evidence is Eph 1:13,14 itself. Where is the evidence for your claims?

Yes, the seal of God is permanent on all who believe. Those who deny His seal will not have it. My evidence is 1 John 5:12, where is your evidence that if you deny Christ you still have the seal?

 

[JLB]

Jesus said that recipients of eternal life will never perish in John 10:28.

Can some recipients of eternal life perish?

I am hopeful that my question will be answered.

Unfortunately for your theory, John 10:28 doesn't say what you you claim.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27-28

John 10:28 starts out with the word "and".

"And" connects the condition of the promise, with the promise.

The condition is:

• hear My voice,
• and I know them,
• and they follow Me.

The promise:

• And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;

When they receive eternal life from Jesus, on the Day of Judgement, after they have met the conditions, then they will never perish.

34 Jesus answered and said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. Luke 20:34-36

If you can still die, then obviously, you have not yet received eternal life.


JLB

 

[JLB]

Jesus said that recipients of eternal life will never perish in John 10:28.

Can some recipients of eternal life perish?


I am hopeful that my question will be answered.

Jesus said that recipients of eternal life will never perish in John 10:28.

Can some recipients of eternal life perish?


I am hopeful that my question will be answered.

Do you believe what this scripture says?

• eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; Romans 2:7

JLB

 

[JLB]

When one reads that in Matthew...they should read the entire chapter, then ask:
Endures what?
To the end of what?
Is saved from what?

20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Matthew 13:20-21

• Endures persecution, and the temptation to give in to the demands of the persecutors to renounce Jesus as Messiah, Lord, and the Son of God.
• To the end of your life on earth, and remaining faithful to continue in the faith; continue to believe.
• Saved from eternal damnation: the everlasting fires prepared for the devil and his angels.

JLB

 

[Cygnus]

When they receive eternal life from Jesus, on the Day of Judgement, after they have met the conditions, then they will never perish.

If your a christian...you already have eternal life.

 

[Cygnus]

20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Matthew 13:20-21

• Endures persecution, and the temptation to give in to the demands of the persecutors to renounce Jesus as Messiah, Lord, and the Son of God.
• To the end of your life on earth, and remaining faithful to continue in the faith; continue to believe.
• Saved from eternal damnation: the everlasting fires prepared for the devil and his angels.

JLB

That scripture is for people living in the last days....not now.
Keep it in context.

 

[JLB]

That scripture is for people living in the last days....not now.
Keep it in context.

Can you point out the phrase, in this parable of the Sower, taught to His disciples, that indicates this teaching was for people living the last days?

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom... refers to anyone hearing the Gospel Message.


18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Matthew 13:20-21

• Endures persecution, and the temptation to give in to the demands of the persecutors to renounce Jesus as Messiah, Lord, and the Son of God.
• To the end of your life on earth, and remaining faithful to continue in the faith; continue to believe.
• Saved from eternal damnation: the everlasting fires prepared for the devil and his angels.

JLB

 

[WIP]

Please cease from trying to pit Scripture against itself. Jesus was clear as to WHEN someone receives eternal life; when they believe. John 5:24. Not at the end of one's life.

I don't believe this is what is being done. All of Scripture is truth, even that which seems to contradict. The question that I believe is being presented to you is, how does one reconcile John 10:28 with the verses that have been presented?

 

[FreeGrace]

Jesus said his sheep will never perish. I don't see the word, 'recipient'.

This is what He said: I give them eternal life. By the fact that He gives eternal life to "them" makes "them" recipients. That's how giving works. The ones receiving what is being given become recipients. So, while no one sees the word "recipient" in Jn 10:28, the concept is clearly there.

Now, are "them" recipients of eternal life, or not?

btw, the words "they" and "them" are the same. So we can understand what Jesus said this way:
"I give recipients eternal life, and recipients will never perish."

If that's not what Jesus meant, then please provide a clear and detailed reason why not.

 

[JLB]

If your a christian...you already have eternal life.

The life of the One dwelling in me, is eternal, so in that sense I have eternal life in me, by faith in Jesus Christ.


But for me to have eternal life, in which I will never die, I must first be worthy to attain to the resurrection.

35 But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. Luke 20:35-36

Here are other scriptures that teach us who will receive eternal life on that Day.

28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. John 5:28-29

• those who have done good, to the resurrection of life

God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath,
Romans 2:6-8

• eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality.

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:29

• shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. John 12:25-26

• he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life
• Serving Christ is doing good.

JLB

 

[Cygnus]

This is what He said: I give them eternal life. By the fact that He gives eternal life to "them" makes "them" recipients. That's how giving works. The ones receiving what is being given become recipients. So, while no one sees the word "recipient" in Jn 10:28, the concept is clearly there.

Now, are "them" recipients of eternal life, or not?

btw, the words "they" and "them" are the same. So we can understand what Jesus said this way:
"I give recipients eternal life, and recipients will never perish."

If that's not what Jesus meant, then please provide a clear and detailed reason why not.

Some posters here are into IF-ism.

IF...at the end of your life you got a B or better...God lets you in.

 

[FreeGrace]

I said this:
"That's not what's being communicated from your posts. If one does see eternal security in Eph 1:13,14 as being claimed, then that one CANNOT believe that those who have been sealed can become unsealed or out of union with Christ.
So, please explain this dichotomy."

I can, I am not sure why you cannot?

Of course I see it. My comment is that from your posts, it seems you're not seeing it.

I suppose it is you that will have to explain why you do not see it, because I am sure that I see it.

If you really do see eternal security, why do your posts communicate the possibility of becoming unsealed or out of union with Christ.

If one who has believed and been sealed can become unsealed or out of union with Christ, they have no security.

I do agree that we are eternally secure. I am not sure why it is hard to understand that it does not mean we can choose to deny it.

Well, of course many on this forum deny eternal security. That's the debate we're having. Since John 10:28 is quite clear about eternal security, many are not seeing it.

How come you do not understand we can choose to deny it?

Of course I understand many have denied it. Burt that is in spite of the extremely clear words about eternal security that Jesus promised.

If you deny something do you still have it?

Sure. Let's say you have a huge pimple on your nose. Of course you can deny it all you want, but the pimple is still there

If I offered you something and you denied it, would you still take it? If you took it, did you actually deny it?

We're not talking about what has been offered. Jesus was talking about what has been RECEIVED.

Just like your pimple, once a person receives eternal life, it's THEIRS and Jesus promises they will never perish.

[QQUOTE]Yea, I was kind of hoping you could show where in that verse it said salvation cannot be lost.[/QUOTE]
it's quite clear. The words "WILL NEVER PERISH" means just that. What do you think it means?

 

[Cygnus]

The life of the One dwelling in me, is eternal, so in that sense I have eternal life in me, by faith in Jesus Christ.


But for me to have eternal life, in which I will never die, I must first be worthy to attain to the resurrection.

35 But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. Luke 20:35-36

Here are other scriptures that teach us who will receive eternal life on that Day.

28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. John 5:28-29

• those who have done good, to the resurrection of life

God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath,
Romans 2:6-8

• eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality.

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:29

• shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. John 12:25-26

• he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life
• Serving Christ is doing good.

JLB

JLB, here's your problem in a nutshell...your religion says you're going to hell. YOU CAN'T DO ENOUGH....GOOD.

Matt 5:20...condemns you even further....For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

....are you more righteous than a scribe or Pharisee?

 

[FreeGrace]

Unfortunately for your theory, John 10:28 doesn't say what you you claim.

Really. Then please explain to whom Jesus is referring to by "them" and what He said about them.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27-28

John 10:28 starts out with the word "and".

Sure. He describes His sheep in v.27. and then He promises His sheep, who are recipients of eternal life, that they will never perish.

But what He NEVER EVER said was that in order to never perish one had to keep following Him.

"And" connects the condition of the promise, with the promise.

No, that is totally incorrect. The ONLY CONDITION for never perishing is to receive eternal life.

The condition is:

• hear My voice,
• and I know them,
• and they follow Me.

• No, it isn't the condition. The condition is to receive eternal life. Or being given eternal life.

The promise:

• And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;

• No. The condition is giving His sheep eternal life.

When they receive eternal life from Jesus, on the Day of Judgement, after they have met the conditions, then they will never perish.

Well, Jesus tells us WHEN we receive eternal life; when we believe in Him. John 5;24 says so clearly.

 

[JLB]

I don't believe this is what is being done. All of Scripture is truth, even that which seems to contradict. The question that I believe is being presented to you is, how does one reconcile John 10:28 with the verses that have been presented?

Yes sir. Thanks for your input.

I have tried to show several scriptures from Paul as well as Jesus, that deals with this subject, so we can all reconcile the scriptures together, showing each part we see.

Taking a part of scripture, and ignoring the rest, doesn't make for sound doctrine.

26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
John 10:26-28

We know that Judas fulfilled the conditions of hearing and following Him... for a while.

I would have to say, that hearing and following Him, is a life long commitment.

Of course, I believe this context, also refers directly to His disciples, [Apostles] at the time, who were just twelve, in which would these 12 men, [later Paul] to be sent to spread the Gospel to the whole world.

Those 12 would later disciple others and send them out, teaching them what Jesus taught.

However, the one principle that is consistent throughout the New Testament is, "Believe" is the condition for salvation.

Those who believe for a while, then return unbelieving, are certainly not believers anymore.

Also a good study on the fullness of what "believe" means would be a fruitful study for us all.



JLB