Are you really saved? I believe the Scriptures support the doctrine of eternal security. That is: Once a person is “saved,” they are saved forever. The problem rises when we (sinful humans) are lulled into believing someone is “saved” because of a heartfelt profession of faith in Christ alone. Believe it or not, such a prayer does not save anyone. There is no forgiveness of sins without repentance. True repentance is a “turning from your ways” based on an understanding that God alone is the offended party. That belief, if genuine, will lead to a complete change in the person’s thoughts and actions. There will be good works and much spiritual “fruit” in the person’s life for God and everyone else to see. Many who confess and accept Jesus as Lord are only confessing that they feel bad for their transgressions, or that they feel bad because people were hurt because of their actions. Once the bad feeling subsides, the sin comes back again. Check this quote from a world famous Christian book, Pilgrim’s Progress:
“… the bottom of it all is their lack of change in their mind and will. Therefore, they’re simply like the felon who stands before the judge; he shakes and trembles and seems to repent most seriously, but the bottom of it all is the fear of the hangman’s rope, not that he has any loathing for the crime.” Chapter 19, P198
Remember that “fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom,” (Prov 9:10) and because there was no fear of that type in the felon, there was no true conviction of sin, and therefore no repentance.
Twice the Bible mentions a dog throwing up and then later returning to eat his vomit. Once what made the dog feel bad has ceased, he goes back to the same meal that made him ill. God is not concerned about dogs; He is concerned about people, many who are caught in Satan’s web, believing they’re eternally secure are not.
“But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 13:5b)
In Christ,
PastorJimKilby @Kilbin8er Jim@JamesKilby.com
Comentários