What's new
By:
Filters
Christian Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • Are you receiving an "error" mesage when posting?

    Chances are it went through, so check before douible posting.

    We hope to have the situtaion resolved soon, and Happy Thanksgiving to those in the US!

  • Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?

    Join For His Glory for a discussion on how

    https://christianforums.net/threads/a-vessel-of-honor.110278/

  • Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need

    https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/

  • Ever read the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?

    Read through this brief blog, and receive eternal salvation as the free gift of God

    /blog/the-gospel

  • Have questions about the Christian faith?

    Come ask us what's on your mind in Questions and Answers

    https://christianforums.net/forums/questions-and-answers/

  • How are famous preachers sometimes effected by sin?

    Join Sola Scriptura for a discussion on the subject

    https://christianforums.net/threads/anointed-preaching-teaching.109331/#post-1912042

  • Focus on the Family

    Strengthening families through biblical principles.

    Focus on the Family addresses the use of biblical principles in parenting and marriage to strengthen the family.

    Read daily articles from Focus on the Family in the Marriage and Parenting Resources forum.

Are You Guaranteed Heaven?

R

Righteousone

Guest
Some people promote an especially attractive idea: All true Christians, regardless how they live, have an absolute assurance of salvation, once they accept Jesus into their hearts as "their personal Lord and Savior". Problem is that this belief is contrary to the bible and constant Christian teaching.
Keep in mind what St. Paul told the Christians of his day: "IF WE HAVE DIED WITH HIM (in baptism)
see ( Rom 6:3-4) WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM; IF WE PERSEVERE WE SHALL ALSO REIGN WITH HIM" (2 Tim 2:11-12). If we do NOT persevere, we shall NOT reign with him. In other words, Christians can forfeit heaven.
The bible makes it clear that Christians have a moral assurance of salvation (God will be true to his word and will grant salvation to those who have faith in Christ and are obedient to him. 1 John 3:19-24).
But the bible does NOT teach that Christians have a guarantee of heaven. there can be no absolute assurance of salvation.
Writing to Christians, Paul said, "SEE THEN THE KINDNESS AND SEVERITY OF GOD, SEVERITY TOWARDS THOSE WHO FELL, BUT GOD'S KINDNESS TO YOU, PROVIDED YOU REMAIN IN HIS KINDNESS, OTHERWISE YOU TOO WILL BE CUT OFF" (Rom. 11:22-23, Matt. 18-21-35, 1 Cor. 15:1-2, 2 Pet. 2:20-21).
Note that Paul includes an important condition: "PROVIDED YOU REMAIN IN HIS KINDNESS". He is saying that Christians can lose their salvation by throwing it away. He warns, "WHOEVER THINKS HE IS STANDING SECURE SHOULD TAKE CARE NOT TO FALL". (1 Cor. 10:11-12).
As a Catholic and someone asks me if I've been saved I answer:
"I AM REDEEMED BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, I TRUST IN HIM ALONE FOR MY SALVATION, AND, AS THE BIBLE TEACHES, I AM 'WORKING OUT MY SALVATION IN FEAR AND TREMBLING' (Phil. 2:12), KNOWING THAT IT IS GOD'S GIFT OF GRACE THAT IS WORKING IN ME".
 
Righteousone said:
Some people promote an especially attractive idea: All true Christians, regardless how they live, have an absolute assurance of salvation, once they accept Jesus into their hearts as "their personal Lord and Savior". Problem is that this belief is contrary to the bible and constant Christian teaching.
Keep in mind what St. Paul told the Christians of his day: "IF WE HAVE DIED WITH HIM (in baptism)
see ( Rom 6:3-4) WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM; IF WE PERSEVERE WE SHALL ALSO REIGN WITH HIM" (2 Tim 2:11-12). If we do NOT persevere, we shall NOT reign with him. In other words, Christians can forfeit heaven.
The bible makes it clear that Christians have a moral assurance of salvation (God will be true to his word and will grant salvation to those who have faith in Christ and are obedient to him. 1 John 3:19-24).
But the bible does NOT teach that Christians have a guarantee of heaven. there can be no absolute assurance of salvation.
Writing to Christians, Paul said, "SEE THEN THE KINDNESS AND SEVERITY OF GOD, SEVERITY TOWARDS THOSE WHO FELL, BUT GOD'S KINDNESS TO YOU, PROVIDED YOU REMAIN IN HIS KINDNESS, OTHERWISE YOU TOO WILL BE CUT OFF" (Rom. 11:22-23, Matt. 18-21-35, 1 Cor. 15:1-2, 2 Pet. 2:20-21).
Note that Paul includes an important condition: "PROVIDED YOU REMAIN IN HIS KINDNESS". He is saying that Christians can lose their salvation by throwing it away. He warns, "WHOEVER THINKS HE IS STANDING SECURE SHOULD TAKE CARE NOT TO FALL". (1 Cor. 10:11-12).
As a Catholic and someone asks me if I've been saved I answer:
"I AM REDEEMED BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, I TRUST IN HIM ALONE FOR MY SALVATION, AND, AS THE BIBLE TEACHES, I AM 'WORKING OUT MY SALVATION IN FEAR AND TREMBLING' (Phil. 2:12), KNOWING THAT IT IS GOD'S GIFT OF GRACE THAT IS WORKING IN ME".
Click to expand...
I agree with you in principle – and it’s not often I agree with a Catholic. :wink:

I do however have a different perspective on what it is we receive when we become Christians . . . and that is . . . Eternal Life. You see this is the gift of God. And the gift is without repentance – meaning that God does not take the gift away. Once man has received the Spirit (the gift of life) he has entered the (eternal) kingdom of God. And since he has been given the gift, whereas once he was destined to perish, he is now accountable for the gift and will be judged according to what he does with it. Some to eternal reward and some to eternal suffering.
 
Gee, that OP sure looks awfully familiar.

I guess immitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top