Christians - True and False Conversions?

Question

I have seen many people who call themselves Christians fall away. But were they True converts in the first place? I know that I am a true born again Christian and there is no way that a person could lose their salvation once they are saved - if they are really saved. We shall know them by their "Fruit" What do you think ???

Answer 1

I think you need to read the Bible... It tells us this can happen.

It would be wonderful if no one ever turned their back on Jesus. But that is not the case.

I do not believe that once saved always saved is Biblical. There are too many examples... Look at the history of Israel.

Answer 2

By definition conversion can mean only one thing; commitment to Jesus Christ. There is no true of false conversion. People can say whatever they want to say; words don't make something a reality.

Paul made it clear a person cannot loose salvation. The real question is ; did we truly accept salvation; only time can tell.

Paul said "their going away from us proved they never really belonged to us."

It is impossible to loose salvation; it is possible to not really be saved to begin with. People are good at deceiving themselves; people can get caught up in the emotion or good times of "walking the aisle" or "saying a prayer" but, years later, somebody show what their foundation was really made of to begin with; sand.

Don't make the mistake in thinking that just because a Christian falls into sin that person is not truly a Christian. The Bible makes it clear we all sin and we all will sin; but if we do sin, "he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

You are correct; "we shall know them by their fruit." but remember every fruit bearing plant has periods of time when there is not fruit on the vine or branch. For all Christians there is a season of growing before we bear lasting fruit.

It is the direction of one's life that shows whether he/she is Christian or not; you must not and cannot look at any particular point in a person's life and judge whether the professing Christian is actually Christian or not. The totality of one's life will tell the story; and that is why you must not judge; who knows what will happen in a person's life before they die?

best to you my friend in Christ.

Answer 3

I agree, once saved always saved. Many of the people that we commonly call "backsliders" are really just false converts. Everyone that I have seen or talked to that has said that they "lost their salvation" always fits into one of the categories of a false convert. The teaching on true and false conversion is something that many churches avoid doing. In my opinion they don't teach it because it might offend someone, but it is a very important teaching.

If you want to listen to an audio message on true and false conversion, go to http://www.livingwaters.com and search their free downloads for "True and False Conversion" by Ray Comfort.

Answer 4

You're correct... but if a true born again christian fall away.. he'll not lose his salvation.. he will be under punishment from god..

1st Corinthians 11:30-32 "30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."

The only unforgivable sin is the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost

Mathews 12:31-32 "31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

Answer 5

I think the enemy works harder on the true converts and sometimes circumstances take people away from their lifeline to God. Praying and reading The Word. That is why people fall away. I feel very sad that you seem to be judging. Hopefully the Lord will keep you and you will never experience losing your salvation. Humble yourself or be humbled my friend.

Answer 6

I agree. I think if someone is truly saved they will have a saving faith, one that will endure till the end. at least that's what i've been taught. I guess only God really knows who is and isn't saved. No matter what, we just can't judge another person's salvation status. No one can tell.

Answer 7

I'm sure that at least some of those that have lost their faith were just as sure of their salvation as you are. If you truly follow the christian doctrine and the bible, then you should know that man is fallible. In other words, it -is- possible to lose your salvation. Just as some are "born-again", some undergo the opposite transistion of faith.

Answer 8

I believe that many who sincerely got saved, got caught up in the cares of this world and backslid and are no longer saved. They can come back and do their first works over, but some have gotten hurt or discouraged and started worshiping Satan and the occult, they are not saved now.

Answer 9

People are only human, not perfect. Even born again Christians can make some mistakes. We can be deceived by the great deceiver. We need to learn from our mistakes, repent, ask for forgiveness, and go on, trying harder next time.

Answer 10

I think a lot of people go through the motions. They say they have accepted Jesus as their Savior, but they don't believe it whole heartily. I don't just believe in the Lord - I KNOW He's real. I have felt His power and His presence. That type of belief and change does not go away - even in difficult times. The people who truly know the Lord is real are the people who are willing to die in His name.