I'm curious regarding this philosophy. I was Christian for 22 years and fell away about a year ago. Lately, I have broken nearly completely away. I'm still attracted to Christianity, however.
Are we only saved if we believe in Jesus, or are we saved forever if we once believed in Jesus?
2007-09-29 18:48:56 · 13 answers · asked by Meatwad 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I believed, and then stopped believing basically. Because there is no proof, and I've prayed for a long time for a dream or ANYTHING that can show me that this is not only the truth but the correct path. No dreams. No signs. I basically gave up on getting a sign.
2007-09-29 19:04:27 · update #1
I used to have basically "untouchable" faith as a child. Unquestioning faith. I could feel God's presence every day. I knew it was real, because I could feel it. Now it feels like I'm separated from God, and I feel it is impossible to get that childhood faith back again. :(
2007-09-29 19:06:17 · update #2
I once believed that you can lose your salvation but there's a verse in the Bible that says something like "our names are etched into his hand". I apologize for not having the verse with me. But in essence it implies that we are always protected and secure in the hand of the God. John 3:16 talks about having eternal life. Just a lot for me to think about.
2007-09-29 19:08:28 · answer #1 · answered by Mamapie2u 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
this may cause some criticism, but since you asked the question, the only thing I can write is what I believe. If you truly were saved then you are saved forever, however if you were not truly born again, and just would say that you believe, then salvation may not be real. I have had times in my walk with the Lord, that I was not as strong as I should be, however, praise God I know for a fact that I was secure in my salvation. I do not think you can be saved and then not believe, you can be saved and fall away, and not have as close a fellowship as you once had- there is a difference- if you asked Jesus to be savior and then don't believe , I don;t think you were ever saved- that is just my thoughts- if you just ask Jesus to save you for a free ticket to heaven and then go back to living the way you were, I don't think we are saved- because salvation changes us,
2007-09-30 01:57:28 · answer #2 · answered by AdoreHim 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
That teaching is unscriptural.
This belief isn't unique only to Baptists, many evangelicals and "nondenominational" groups also harbor this belief. The belief is not heretical, but it is mistaken and if taken to the extreme, could result in a sin against the Holy Spirit as it takes God for granted. The non-Catholic believes that they are saved when they climb aboard the ark of salvation. Unfortunately, people fall off boats all the time. Some climb back on, and others drown. Our secular world is full of temptations which can lure us off the boat and into the sea of sin. Since nothing impure can enter heaven (Revelation 21:27), those who have not fully repented of their sins and gained God's forgiveness will not be able to disembark when the ark reaches its final destination (even though they may have swum alongside the whole way). One never has absolute assurance of their salvation until they arrive at the pearly gates and hear the message "well-done good and faithful servant" instead of "Away from me you evildoer."
2007-09-30 01:57:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Hmmmm I was taught when I was Christian that you can't be saved if you've ever doubted the Holy Spirit (even once) but if you've been saved and believe in God and Jesus and all that then you're all right. If you doubt Jesus I'm pretty sure you're supposed to be forgiven......Jesus is fine w/ that if you doubt him as long as you don't doubt the holy spirit.....then well he can't help you.....according to what I was taught anyways. I'm fine being through w/ religion period though. Not a thing could attract me back to Christianity after almost 5 yrs. of leaving it and religion period alone.
2007-09-30 02:10:46 · answer #4 · answered by Ebony C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As a Christian Preacher the problem I have with the once saved always saved theology is that would infer that any sins you do after accepting Jesus Christ do not need to be confessed and repented of.
This theology would seem to give you blanket coverage to do whatever you want as long as you once accepted Jesus Christ.
Remember that Christ said," why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I say.
2007-09-30 15:19:23 · answer #5 · answered by drg5609 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The answer to that question will vary depending on what Christian denomination you ask.
Many Christian denominations hold that we can lose salvation by acting in a "sinful" manner and not repenting of that action and turning away from it.
There are certain aspects of Christianity that are universal and I have a feeling that those are what you are drawn to as I am because of my early upbringing as a Christian
2007-09-30 01:57:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anne Hatzakis 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One is saved through the grace of God alone. He determines whom He will save, and who He won't. If one is truly born again, filled with Spirit and given the faith to believe, he is saved, and can do nothing to lose that. If you are one of His, He will in no way cast you off or allow you to walk away. He has never, nor will ever, lose one of His. There are many who do the Christian thing, go to church, do the programs, etc.., but aren't saved. When the affliction comes, the heat gets turned up, they leave. A true believer cannot possibly consider leaving the One who saved them, forgave them, justified them, and sanctifies them. Either you are a believer and have walked off the path, in which case God will bring you back through conviction and chastisement, or you were never one of His, and He will allow you to leave.
1Jn 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us. For if they were of us, they would have remained with us; but they left so that it might be revealed that they all are not of us.
2007-09-30 02:05:05 · answer #7 · answered by BrotherMichael 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. (Hebrew 3)
You still have a chance. If you still want to know God, then He wants you. The day you no longer care about the things of God, then you are are counted as rebellious. He will no longer want you.
2007-09-30 02:01:43 · answer #8 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will be saved. He has done enough fro your salvation, but if you love him, show that to Him.
I do not belive "once saved, always saved". We need to work on our salvation eventhough we are saved my the mercy and grace alone.
2007-09-30 14:04:43 · answer #9 · answered by Nina, BaC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ask yourself what you truely beleive in your heart right now. I cannot give you the answer to this, only God can... because he is the only one who knows your heart.
God is wanting, inviting, he says that he will open the door for all those who knock. For those who look for him, shall find him. How do you feel? You must answer your own question.
2007-09-30 01:55:30 · answer #10 · answered by Sam 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋