how do you know if you are saved for good or not?

Question

I've read back and forth about the Calvin/Armenius debate - once saved always saved versus conditional security - and when I view the Scriptures each side uses against the other they both seem valid, but neither can disprove the other either, not really except one thing - I think the entire debate hinges on the depravity of man - is there anything good in man or not - i.e. man is born in sin and cannot redeem himself. I think man is totally depraved but the Arminus camp thinks that is not the case, and that's where I think the argument falls apart. I think this is the most difficult issue in Christianity - and it all depends on how you read certain passages, but there are still passages that are concerning if you are a once saved always saved person, like why would you need to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling if you didn't need to worry about it anymore? or why does it say those that endure to the end will be saved? (continued)

It doesn't have anything to do with me. I think that Jesus Died for me, that there's nothing I can do to mess it up - that I sin more than I think I do. I wonder whether the people who think in terms of conditional security - if they really took stock of all the sin in their life, the things they aren't aware of, the thigns they struggle with, the things they should do and don't do, etc. how can Christ give you a free gift and then take it away - I dont' think you can forfeit it. Here's why - if we deny him, he denys us, but if we are faithless- He remains faithful for He cannot deny himself. We belong to Him so we can't blow it. see what I mean? So I think once a person is saved, they are saved for good. Once you are in the fold Jesus doesnt' kick you out. Even if you wander away - You are still His and you still belong to Him. It's our nature to wander away. But we're still HIS SHEEP. See?
curious about your thoughts. thanks

Answer 1

Once you become saved, you are a member of God's family. All of us are Gods creation, but not all of us are His children. Once you become a child of God, then you are saved. But the way life is set up, don't ever think you're on "Easy Street." Children of God can "Backside" back into their old ways and habits. This is way we must pray all the time that we will have strength to over-come the temptations of life. Remember, you are never alone. Once you are Gods child, He will give His Angel charge over you to help you in every way and every moment of the day. Know in your mind that you are saved. When you do something that you feel is wrong, ask God to foregive you and He will cleance your heart as if you never sinned in the first place. But it is not a licence to do things wrong. if you tell God your sorry, then mean it. You will always be saved. ( If thats what you want ) This is the purpose of Jesus dying on the cross so we can go to Him with our weaknesses and trials. God is Love and Forgives generously if we are sincere.

Answer 2

In many ways, the "once saved, always saved" option could be used as an excuse to do whatever you want - sinful or not - because you have a RSVP in Heaven. On the other hand, I don't think that people should be afraid of themselves because if they do one teeny, tiny thing wrong the eternal damnation and wrath of God will descend upon them. Just because the Holy Spirit is represented as a dove, it doesn't mean that it scares off just as easily.

I think that BOTH arguments have their foundations on human conduct - how we behave acts directly on our salvation. I think this is because people think that Salvation (i.e. coming to Christ, accepting Christ as your Saviour, being a Christian, etc.) is a change in conduct - but this is a huge mistake. Our conduct is part of our nature. But God doesn't want our conduct, He wants our nature.

What is the difference between a bad Christian and a Good atheist?

The Bible clearly states that "[...] if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Cor. 5:17). It doesn't say that "he is a BETTER creation" - he is NEW. You see, God wants to transform our natures. When our natures transform, our conduct transforms with it. Therefore, we need not to worry whether or not we're saved forever. Mistakes will happen - we're human. But, just like David, his making up for those mistakes made him a man after God's own heart. We can, however, choose (through action or inaction) to not follow God. Are we saved still?

Hope I helped!

Answer 3

The book of 1 John is a book of encouragement about Salvation.

If your heart condemns you, then God is greater than your heart.

I write this that you may KNOW that you have eternal life. If you have the son you have eternal life.

Quotes like these from Chapters 3 & 5 are what I use to encourage new believers.

Then there is the passage in Hebrews 6 that teaches 2 facts for sure;

1. The gospel and salvation is the milk of the word. Learning to glorify God as a living sacrifice to Him is the MEAT of the word. So Paul says, move on from the Milk & move on to the Meat.

2. If a person could actually lose their salvation, then that is it. There is no more sacrifice, repentance, or forgiveness for them. It is over. Outta there for eternity and on your way to Hell.

So how do I determine that the extreme positions of both Calvinism & Armeniansm are in error?

1. There is a Will of God. No doubt about this!
2. There is a will of Man, and we will be held accountable for our decisions, this is also clear from scripture.

3. So the proper Biblical balance is that when the Will of God and the Will of Man intersect a person can be saved.

If Calvinism is correct, then God is nothing but a computer programmer playing a game of virtual reality, but because He is too weak, He had to pre-determine everyone's choice. This also makes Him Sadistic. So Calvinism is obviously a bogus doctrin of Man, plagarized from Augustine.

If Armenianism is correct, then all the talk about Eternal Life in the Bible is a lie. Jesus is pretty much useless and needless in sacrifice because ultimately my good behavior will preserve my salvation. I become responsible for my eternal state as long as I live. I keep skating on thin Ice, because if I have a bad episode throughout my entire life, then I am done for.

Also, Armenianism is bogus because I have never heard these people teach, that once you lose your salvation you have lost it forever. This is a very clear passage in Hebrews 6 that leaves no room for other interpretation or possiblity of renewal of 'Eternal Life'. The fact that they teach that you can be saved again, proves that they are in error. Their examples of Judas as one who lost his faith is also a horrible error. Jesus knew in advance that Judas was never saved.

It is in fact in Judas that we receive the proper understanding of Hebrews 6. This man tasted of the heavenly gift, he knew about salvation, but in his heart he never received it. So, there is no more sacrifice for him. He is destined to Hell for his unbelief.

Armenianism is such a childish doctrine, because it basically teaches believers to keep sucking from their mother's breast well into old age. It is foolishness. We are to move on to Glorifying God with our lives. But how can we do this if we are not even sure if we are saved or not?

In 1 John we are told: "Perfect love casts out fear".

I pray for you to be brave. Let Jesus not only be your Creator & Savior, but be the one you trust to Keep you just as Paul did.

Answer 4

I have a personal relationship with God. I speak with him daily and he guides me through the Holy Spirit, of this I am sure. As for being able to fall from grace and lose our salvation, I'm not sure. Satan was a glorious angel yet he fell from grace. No human can speak for God. We can read the Bible and interpret it as we see it but God also said He has put his word into all hearts and minds. I'm not sure we should discuss such things beyond a certain point. God has the power to do what He wills. Who are we to question Him. We should strive to be as close to God as we possibly can, constantly praising Him and glorifying Him. We need to fill our hearts with so much love that Satan has no room to enter into our hearts and minds. God's blessings on you all

Answer 5

The bible has been lost in translation and altered by man. There is no hell. If God really was all loving he would not be as judgmental as the bible makes "him" out to be. Would you send any of your children to burn in hell no matter what they did? Don't worry so much about the bible and just concentrate on being the best person you can be.

Answer 6

I know I said one night in my room Jesus I am a sinner.I believe You died on the cross for me.Please Forgive my sins Jesus.Come into my heart.AND ALL THE SUDDEN I FELT PEACE
(((((IN SCRIPTURE JESUS SAID I HAVE NOT LOST ONE>NOT ONE>SO IF HE HAS NOT LOST ONE HE CANT LOSE ANYONE>HE WOULD NOT SAVE YOU BY HIS MERCY AND FREE GIFT THAN LOOSE YOU>PERIOD)))))

Answer 7

I cant answer that for you .you'll have to work out your own salvation. The bible say that each are dealt a measure of faith what you do with it is up to you.

Answer 8

We will all find out when the time comes! Hope you made 'right' decision in life!

Answer 9

Nothing is for sure besaides the Lord