Is Salvation forever (once Saved always Saved) or is Salvation something we can loose by living an unholy life? Here’s the assertion: there is a mechanism for “Quitting” ones salvation (“walking away” lacks the correct scriptural connotation.) In John 13:18 Jesus quoted prophesy regarding Judas’ betrayal: “He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.” (Which is Ps. 41:9.) The Psalm conveys it clearly... note the importance of "Friend", "Bread" and “Heel". See Mt. 10:14 “Shake of the dust ...” And Lu. 9:5 “... as a judgment against...” These convey a stance that can be taken in condemnation of sin - or in condemnation of righteousness. The latter being ... an act of quitting the faith and frankly, blasphemy (expand here around the unforgivable sin.) Compare Peter’s failure and the action of Judas – these seem purposefully interposed so that both sides of the coin are illustrated. Recall Heb. 13:7 “ ... Consider the outcome of their way of life ...” So, “Condemning Righteousness” hinges on Ps. 41:9 (among other scripture.) Judas was a believer for a time (among the 12 that were sent out, he did those “works.”) He then quit his faith in favor of his own agenda, actually plotting against his “Friend” (Mt. 26:50 and see Ps. 41:9 again). It ends for him in suicide (a selfish, prideful, flight from consequences.) Whereas Peter repented in humble contrition and received forgiveness. Both acts furthered the work of God on earth. One we’ll see in Heaven someday, the other not. Finally, I believe this position is securely affirmed in Heb. 6:4 “For it is impossible for those ... if they fall away (are entangled and overcome) to be brought back to repentance...” because this theme is repeated in 10:29 "... trampled the Son of God under foot ..." Just as our Spiritual rebirth regenerates our life -- if that life is ended, quit ... killed off -- it is impossible to be reborn into that life again. So, no – I don’t hold with Cal Chap doctrine OSAS, "no matter what I do." I contend that our free will remains; to choose to quit faith one must “Shake the dust off of one’s feet.” Equally, "back-sliding" is not evidence of the destruction of salvation. |
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