Eternal Security, or Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God?
I don't know how easy it is but I do not believe in Eternal Security. I also do not believe in a capricious God who can take away someone's salvation on a whim
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There is One God. This one God reveals Himself distinctly as Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Son is God himself in a human form or "God manifested in the flesh" (1Tim 3:16)
Every sinner must repent of their sins.
That Jesus name baptism is the only biblical mode of water baptism.
That the Holy Ghost is for today and is received by faith with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.
The saint will go on to strive to live a holy life, pleasing to God.
After wrestling with the concepts of "Eternal Security" with an open and honest heart and setting aside the old mentality that if I didn't "pray through" every 15 minutes or so, I would go instantly to hell if I were suddenly hit by a truck, I've arrived at a personal conclusion that while we can certainly walk away from our salvation, it can never be taken away.
After wrestling with the concepts of "Eternal Security" with an open and honest heart and setting aside the old mentality that if I didn't "pray through" every 15 minutes or so, I would go instantly to hell if I were suddenly hit by a truck, I've arrived at a personal conclusion that while we can certainly walk away from our salvation, it can never be taken away.
I would agree with that. Just like people speculating on the "unforgivable sin" and wondering just how bad it is. I believe it is unforgivable because the person is in a state where he simply refuses to ask forgiveness. If you DO ask forgiveness or even have the ability to do so, you haven't committed it. I used to live in abject fear of this and wondered if I was eternally lost because of some doubt or questioning of the pastor (reinforced by stories he would tell to prop up his authority).
Last edited by RandyWayne; 02-03-2011 at 07:34 PM.
I would agree with that. Just like people speculating on the "unforgivable sin" and wondering just how bad it is. I believe it is unforgivable because the person is in a state where he simply refuses to ask forgiveness. If you are ABLE to ask forgiveness or even have the ability to do so, you haven't committed it. I used to live in abject fear of this and wondered if I was eternally lost because of some doubt or questioning of the pastor (reinforced by stories he would tell to prop up his authority).
I can't say I got a whole heck of a lot out of Bible School....much of which was my fault, not theirs.....but one of the most monumental moments of my spiritual journey was the day Dan Segraves taught about this very thing. Jesus said, "He that comes to the Father, I will not cast out" and Bro. Segraves said, "This picture that has been painted of the altar call countdown or God will be finished with you is a lie!!!", and he would yell it. "As long as you have the ability to call upon God, He will always have the ability to respond!"
There are no words to describe the relief I felt. As an 18-year-old who had never drank, smoked, no drugs, a virgin, about as well-behaved as you can get at that age, I was still often convinced that I had sinned away my grace, because of the scary sermons we often had to endure.
To suddenly realize that God wasn't counting down my chances, but was instead, simply waiting for me to turn to Him......WOW!!!
I can't say I got a whole heck of a lot out of Bible School....much of which was my fault, not theirs.....but one of the most monumental moments of my spiritual journey was the day Dan Segraves taught about this very thing. Jesus said, "He that comes to the Father, I will not cast out" and Bro. Segraves said, "This picture that has been painted of the altar call countdown or God will be finished with you is a lie!!!", and he would yell it. "As long as you have the ability to call upon God, He will always have the ability to respond!"
There are no words to describe the relief I felt. As an 18-year-old who had never drank, smoked, no drugs, a virgin, about as well-behaved as you can get at that age, I was still often convinced that I had sinned away my grace, because of the scary sermons we often had to endure.
To suddenly realize that God wasn't counting down my chances, but was instead, simply waiting for me to turn to Him......WOW!!!
As Carmen sang "The desire is the confirmation, the destination is there" spoke to me at this time on this very thing, at a time I needed to hear it.
I would agree with that. Just like people speculating on the "unforgivable sin" and wondering just how bad it is. I believe it is unforgivable because the person is in a state where he simply refuses to ask forgiveness. If you DO ask forgiveness or even have the ability to do so, you haven't committed it. I used to live in abject fear of this and wondered if I was eternally lost because of some doubt or questioning of the pastor (reinforced by stories he would tell to prop up his authority).
Is there scripture for that? Seems that Jesus was pretty clear in what the unforgivable sin was: blaspheming the Holy Spirit. He said it would not be forgiven. Didn't say why -- specifically, He didn't say it was because the one committing it wouldn't ask for forgiveness.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Is there scripture for that? Seems that Jesus was pretty clear in what the unforgivable sin was: blaspheming the Holy Spirit. He said it would not be forgiven. Didn't say why -- specifically, He didn't say it was because the one committing it wouldn't ask for forgiveness.
Turning from God in total and not repenting from sin is unforgivable even while doing some good. Ephesus shows this possible denial and the possible state of being. To ask not you have not!
"To the angel of the church in Ephesus,1 write the following:2
"This is the solemn pronouncement of3 the one who has a firm grasp on4 the seven stars in his right hand5 — the one who walks among the seven golden6 lampstands: Rev 2:2 'I know your works as well as your7 labor and steadfast endurance, and that you cannot tolerate8 evil. You have even put to the test9 those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false. Rev 2:3 I am also aware10 that you have persisted steadfastly,11 endured much for the sake of my name, and have not grown weary. Rev 2:4 But I have this against you: You have departed12 from your first love! Rev 2:5 Therefore, remember from what high state13 you have fallen and repent! Do14 the deeds you did at the first;15 if not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place — that is, if you do not repent.16 Rev 2:6 But you do have this going for you:17 You hate what the Nicolaitans18 practice19 — practices I also hate.
After wrestling with the concepts of "Eternal Security" with an open and honest heart and setting aside the old mentality that if I didn't "pray through" every 15 minutes or so, I would go instantly to hell if I were suddenly hit by a truck, I've arrived at a personal conclusion that while we can certainly walk away from our salvation, it can never be taken away.
Agree with this --
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Eternal Security, or Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God?
Philippians Chapter 1. verse 6, Being confident of this very thing,that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians Chapter 1. verse 6, Being confident of this very thing,that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
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