out of these stones God can raise up Christians?

Question

I was reflecting on the following passage today:
Matthew 3:9 "...and do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham."

I started thinking od those Christians who say they are "once saved always saved". I wonder if John would say to you today: "Do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have God.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up Christians."

The Jews thought that just being sons of Abraham made them a holy people, just like some Christians belive that by just being Christians they are saved.

I say to you: BEWARE: You CAN lose your salvation:

Keep in mind what the Scriptures say: "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). So, If we do NOT persevere, we shall NOT reign with him. In other words, Christians can forfeit heaven.

The Bible says, "See, then, the kindness and severity of God: severity toward 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 the passages include an important condition: "provided you remain in his kindness." They are saying that Christians can lose their salvation by throwing it away. The Bible warns, "Whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall" (1 Cor. 10:11–12). Even Paul knew he didn't have an absolute assurance of salvation: "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" 1 Corinthians 9:27.

I would like comments on this, and comments on this link:
http://www.catholic.com/library/Assurance_of_Salvation.asp

God Bless

To shuggabhugga05: Read this:
http://www.catholic.com/library/Infant_Baptism.asp

Answer 1

"Once saved, always saved." This is exactly what causes people to think they can do whatever they want and still go to heaven. This doctrine comes straight from the devil.

"Saved" means we are saved from our sins but that does not give us license to sin. We are not truly saved until we reach heaven.

Answer 2

Good morning C.C....I have to agree with you most heartily. I'm not a born Catholic, however I do believe in somethings that the Catholics practice in their beliefs. I feel that even though one is saved that they can backslide to where they need saved again. Just because an individual was 'saved' once, doesn't mean they can't be saved again. Some Christians also believe that if one is baptized as an infant that they are already saved or baptized as an adult. I don't agree. As children we are without sin since we don't have the concept of sin and it's meaning. As we grow into an adult, we have the knowledge and the concept of what sin is and what sinful ways can do. This is why I feel that one needs to be baptized and saved when we become adults. Also when one leans away from faith and then regains what they had lost in their faith, that one needs to be saved again. Am I making any sense? But I agree with you in what you were stating. Have a blessed day my friend!

Answer 3

The reference to "stones" is also used in the context of the preaching work. What this means is that God can draw right-hearted ones to him through the preaching work. If no one would do this work then the "stones" would cry out. That would look pretty silly but God would do it just to make sure his message is distributed world-wide. The reference to your research is the same. God can cause people to be his followers and even if no one did, he would cause true believers to be found. Also you are correct in the "once saved always saved" theory. You can have God's knowledge but then forsake it later. You will still not be "saved" any longer. You have to endure till the end.

Answer 4

Dear Sister Zeal,
The Book you cite is bogus and bad history and just ignorant obsession with conspiracy theories. Check out Catholic Answers for a rebutal of its and Hislop's bigoted nonsensense
God bless and let us pray for each other.

OSAS can be very dangerous and lead to a delusion that unrepented mortal sin and saving grace can coexist.

Answer 5

I fully agree with your statement, in fact there is an old saying which states``if you don`t use it,you lose it``
This idea of being able to live as you please is indicative of the evangelistic mentality and the precious blood of Christ is used to excuse every and any fault or responsibility for personal sin.
This too explains why Protestants down through the centuries have debunked the dogma of Purgatory which even Christ alluded too, `you will not be released until every penny( sin) is paid for`.

Answer 6

Have you read the book
Babylon Mystery Religion?"
Some scary stuff about the history of Catholocism. I'm thinking this is what has injured the reputation of the word Christian in general. Nobody can snatch someone out of Jesus' hands. Once you have given your life to him and really meant it........I don't believe you can lose your salvation. you would have to deliberately renounce Jesus it's not someting you can just "lose". did you know at one time people were considered Catholic just by where they lived? You have to give your life to Jesus Christ in order to be a true Christian.

Answer 7

Thank you for sharing.

My salvation is assured through the blood of Jesus, our Saviour. As long as I stand strong in the faith, all shall be overcome. But you are correct I fear, some Christian become lost in their own self righteousness.

Answer 8

This is a very controversial subject. I do not believe that a person who is truly saved...will..or can..leave the faith.

This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.

If the Father has truly given us to our Lord..our Lord surely will not lose one of us.

Answer 9

You are right and the one,s who say once saved alway,s
saved is decieving their selve,s and so many other,s,if the blind lead the blind,they both shall fall in the ditch.

Answer 10

Nice sword. No running with scissors now...