For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
douglas ferraez
In your answer S Michael, you ignore that part of the bible which talks about backsliding. You give the easy answer by saying they really never were Christians anyway. Which means that although many people confess that they believe in God and Jesus ect. cet. that apparently doesn`t really get them saved. What about the person who believs and confesses his sin and lives a Christian life for many years and then decides he doesn`t want to live that way anymore. Does he not have free choice anymore. That situation is covered in the old testament in Ezekial and in the new testament also.
David Nochella
This doctrine was addressed by Paul and I believe is spoken of in the church letters in Revelation 1-4. The Nicolatians were a sect that believed that the soul was all that mattered so the flesh, which would perish, anyway did not matter. Therefore the sins of the flesh meant nothing. The truth is that a good tree produces good fruit . How can darkness abide with light? Self controll and obedience are the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which conquers the will of human nature, which is defiled to the core. Salvation is NO liscence to sin.
Steve Wiscombe
I have difficulty with eternal security. I have been Born Again for 45 years and have friends who believe in Eternal Security but I have difficulty with this belief or teaching.
Thanks
Steve
douglas ferraez
My point to Michael Houdman is that there are places in the Bible which seem to back up the concept of eternal security, while there other places in the bible which imply you can lose your salvation. I`m trying to say you have to be careful about dogmatic views when scripture indicates more than one choice.
Eliakim Zacarias
Douglas, you pointed well, but I was thinking just now... and I did remember a thing that Jesus said.
"(46) Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
(47) As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.
(48) They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
(49) But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." (Luke 6:46-49, NIV).
Maybe I am wrong, but I believe here is the answer for this issue. Who is in the Love of God cannot tolerate the sin that offend God. It would be a terrible contradiction. This person began to love the sin that offend his God, so, this person someday loved God really?! We naturally love the sin, and it is the nature we need fight against.