Welcome to the
California Ave. Church of Christ
Salvation, it's in the bag ( right )?
When it comes to salvation, it's the biggest decision a person will ever make. It's a choice that's 50/50, meaning the right choice ( Eternal Bliss )or wrong choice ( Eternal Damnation ).
Hears the key question " Can a person who has obeyed the gospel, loose their salvation ". Well let's use logic, then we'll finish it with scripture.
Logic says: If you have anything in your possession an you're not careful, you could loose it.( Exa. Let's say you just got hired on a new job. You show up for the first (2) weeks, recieve a paycheck & then stop coming).
Would you expect a monetary check every (2) weeks without giving any labor or service.
How long would it take for the rest of the employees to catch on? How long will that Company be in business?What kind of reputation would that Company have in the work world?
In 1 Tim. 4:1 scripture says "...some shall depart from the faith.." THE FAITH represents CHRISTIANITY, DEPART means not to practice CHRISTIANITY any longer. Then it states "...giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils". If a person has stopped serving GOD and they die in that state, they have made their destination loud & clear.
Consider what the Apostle Paul says when he was writing to the CHRISTIANS in 1 Cor.10:20 " But i say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to DEVILS,and not to GOD: and I would NOT that ye should have fellowship with DEVILS. (21) Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of DEVILS: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the tables of DEVILS.
So what's the messege, " If you live, work for,worship the DEVIL you are an ENEMY OF GOD ". The Bible states in 2 Cor. 5:10 We must ALL appear before the judgement seat of Christ to give an account of what we have done in our bodies whether it's GOOD OR BAD.
If you were to stand before a judge in todays court and you are found guilty, it is because you broke the law & you must suffer the punishment. If eternal damnation is not the punishment for THE DEPARTED FROM THE FAITH , then my question is what is the penalty for DEPARTING FROM THE FAITH?
Why do you have to give an account, if you are already secured? What's the purpose of Judgement day? What's the meaning of Judgement? Webster's define it as: a judging; deciding. If you have been sealed, then what is GOD deciding on? Who's going to be judged? Surely the eternally saved will not be, because they are already assured Heaven(RIGHT)? Why does the scripture teach "ALL"; Who's included in the "ALL"?
I'll leave you with these final thoughts. In 1 Cor.5:11-13 the bible clearly says " But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother(CHRISTIAN, SAINT, BELEIVER) be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; WITH SUCH A ONE DO NOT EAT. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are WITHOUT GOD( DEPARTED CHRISTIANS, SINNERS, EVILDOERS ).THEREFORE PUT AWAY FROM AMONG YOURSELVES THAT WICKED PERSON.
KEY QUESTION:" Can a person who has obeyed the gospel, loose their salvation "
ANSWER: YES,IF A CHRISTIAN GOES BACK INTO THE WORLD AND STAYS IN THAT STATE ,THEY HAVE GIVEN BACK THAT "FREE GIFT"