If you are a born again believer, you would have in your lifetime, once said a prayer, they call the sinners prayer, similar to this one, at some prayer meeting. If someone told you that you are now saved and on your way to heaven, there are somethings I would like you to consider now.
The Word of God is clear in these fundamental faith issues. That if we believe in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be saved (Romans 10 : 9-10). John says this thus,
EVERYONE WHO believes (adheres to, trusts, and relies on the fact) that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) is a born-again child of God; and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him (His offspring). [1Jn 5:1, Amp]
That instant something happens in you. The bible calls this event also as born from heaven, born of the incorruptible seed, born of God, born-again etc. The born again experience is the most miraculous experience any person can have. The bible says you have become a new creation.
Now, what we want to focus here is to understand what these verses are really saying. I quote the Romans verse for reference.
Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. [Rom 10:9-10, Amp]
For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. [Rom 10:9-10, Amp]
The word of God says, if we believe. First I want to remind you that this promise of God, like most other promises of God, is conditional on the fact that you must believe. And the second truth is that the word believe is not a past tense. The word believe is describing an action that was and is and will continue. Its not talking about I believed one day. Nor that I believed till an hour ago. The Third, and most important truth here is the understanding of the true meaning of the word believe, on which everything else depends. The Amplified Bible is a valuable resource when you want to know the correct and possible meanings of the ancient greek rendering of the bible. The word believe used here means adheres to, trusts in, and relies on . Its not a momentary flash of conciousness that dawns on you one minute and wears out of you in a few days. If you are still not relying on, depending on Him alone; If you are not now, trusting Him completley, if your sustenance is not depended on Him, at any given time, you do not believe Him.
This grace that has come to us by faith is conditional of the truth that faith must remain. Is once saved always saved? Yes , provided your faith is intact. The bible talks about a lot of instances where Paul and the other apostles talk about loosing the salvation to once born again believers. Because salvation is conditional, the bible talks about three stages of salvation.
1. That you have been saved.
(Eph 2:5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), [NKGV]
(Eph 2:8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
(2Ti 1:8-9) Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
(Tit 3:4-5) But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
2. That you are being saved.
1Co 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
2Co 2:15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
Php 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
3. That you will be saved.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
Rom 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Rom 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
Eph 1:13-14 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who[b] is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
In some of the transalations the word ernest is used instead of guarantee. The word transalated earnest comes from the Greek word ar-hrab-ohn' Of Hebrew origin [ar-aw-bone']; a pledge, that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest: - earnest. like in an earnest given to something that is promised to completion later on.
Again the Amplified shines more light on this.
Eph 1:14 That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it--to the praise of His glory. [Amp]
A down payment, it calls it.
The Mortgage
The salvation process is something like a car loan or a house mortage, if you would compare with worldly things. When you decide to buy a house, there is a commitment on your part and you pay a down payment on the house, promising to pay the rest in installments. So when you paid the down payment, by all legal means, that house is yours, even though you just paid a very small amount. The agreement is in force, in good faith. But there is a condition to this arrangement - that you completley pay the loan due. In any circumstance you are unable to fulfil this agreement, in that, you cannot pay the mortgage, the banks repossess your house. But if you would honour the agreement to the full life of the agreement, that house will completely without any strings attached be yours. When you paid the down payment, you already bought the house. When you are paying the monthly mortgage, you are buying the house and at the end of the term of the agreement you would have completed buying the house and it would unconditionally be yours.
Like the mortage example, salvation is also conditional. But the difference between a mortgage and salvation is that in salvation, it is God that is purchasing us and also paying the down payment and God that fulfils the payment, on the condition that I believe. I was the one who had to pay the price. But God knew that you and I could never pay the price. We can never fully fathom and understand, in our little head, the price He paid, to purchase us . Praise God for redemption.
Am I being saved?
All said and done, how do i know that i believe? That Im being saved? Jesus says that we can know a tree by its fruit. If I'm being formed in the image of Christ, I will show forth the fruits of Christ. The bible gives us a lot of guidelines.
Sin : The bible says that no one who is of God, can live in sin.
(1Jn 3:3-4) And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless). Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God's law by transgression or neglect--being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will).
(1Jn 3:6-10) No one who abides in Him [who lives and remains [e] in communion with and in obedience to Him--deliberately, knowingly, and [f] habitually] commits (practices) sin. No one who [habitually] sins has either seen or known Him [recognized, perceived, or understood Him, or has had an experiential acquaintance with Him].
[g] Boys (lads), let no one deceive and lead you astray. He who practices righteousness [who is upright, conforming to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action, living a consistently conscientious life] is righteous, even as He is righteous.
[But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning. The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done].
No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and [h] habitually] practices sin, for God's nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God.
By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God's will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow [i] believer in Christ).
[g] Boys (lads), let no one deceive and lead you astray. He who practices righteousness [who is upright, conforming to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action, living a consistently conscientious life] is righteous, even as He is righteous.
[But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning. The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done].
No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and [h] habitually] practices sin, for God's nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God.
By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God's will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow [i] believer in Christ).
John says that only those who are conformed to God's will in purpose, thought and action is of God. Paul says something similar
(Rom 8:4-5) So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit].
For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and [d] pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and [e] seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.
For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and [d] pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and [e] seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.
Paul tells that the born again believers can lose their salvation
(Rom 8:13-14) For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
(1Co 9:26-27) Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. 27. But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit].
(Heb 6:4-6) For it is impossible [to restore and bring again to repentance] those who have been once for all enlightened, who have consciously tasted the heavenly gift and have become sharers of the Holy Spirit, 5 And have felt how good the Word of God is and the mighty powers of the age and world to come, 6 If they then deviate from the faith and turn away from their allegiance--[it is impossible] to bring them back to repentance, for (because, while, as long as) they nail upon the cross the Son of God afresh [as far as they are concerned] and are holding [Him] up to contempt and shame and public disgrace.
Judgement for those who lose salvation
(Heb 10:26-27) For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward]. [There is nothing left for us then] but a kind of awful and fearful prospect and expectation of divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation which will consume those who put themselves in opposition [to God].(E)
(1Co 6:9-10) Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, 10. Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.
Sin
But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. 8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts]. 9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. 10 If we say (claim) we have not sinned, we contradict His Word and make Him out to be false and a liar, and His Word is not in us [the divine message of the Gospel is not in our hearts]. 1Jn 1:7-10
The bible says we all sin. That is not to say that we all are going to die eternally. Sin mentioned in all above verses generally mean purposeful, continuous practicing of sin. The bible is very clear that, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us. We may fall in to temptation. But He forgives us. But John is referring to the babes in Christ.But let us take a look at what John is really saying here. John is addressing 3 types of believers or the 3 stages of a Christian life.
First, John addresses little children in Christ.Those who are in their infancy stages in spiritual growth. A person could have been born- again for 10 years and still be in this stage. John says that this group could sin but encourages them to not despair and that Jesus is our Advocate with the Father and that Jesus Himself is the propitiation for our sins(1 John 2 1-2). John says this is a stage that we are coming to know Him.
1Jn 2:3 And this is how we may discern [[b] daily, by experience] that we are coming to know Him [to perceive, recognize, understand, and become better acquainted with Him]: if we keep (bear in mind, observe, practice) His teachings (precepts, commandments).
The second group that John is addressing, he calls Young lads. This are they that are strong in the word and the word of God abides in their heart. They have overcome sin and the work of the devil. The area where they could be affected is wrong teachings and the lust for the things of this world. John asks them to strive to keep their faith that they received and not to depart from the truth (1 John 2:18-27). This was a constant message of even Paul and other apostles as there were people who started to bring in false teachings in to the church. John says that the Holy Spirit that is in them will teach them all things, if they will allow His leading in their life. He admonishes them not to love the world or the things of the world as these will take them to sin (1 John 2:15-17).
The third group John is talking to, he calls the Fathers. John says these have an experiential knowledge of Jesus. They know Him who is from the beginning.
1Jn 3:3-4 And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless). 4 Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God's law by transgression or neglect--being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will).
1Jn 3:6 No one who abides in Him [who lives and remains [e] in communion with and in obedience to Him--deliberately, knowingly, and [f] habitually] commits (practices) sin. No one who [habitually] sins has either seen or known Him [recognized, perceived, or understood Him, or has had an experiential acquaintance with Him].
1Jn 3:7-8 [g] Boys (lads), let no one deceive and lead you astray. He who practices righteousness [who is upright, conforming to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action, living a consistently conscientious life] is righteous, even as He is righteous. 8 [But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning. The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done].
The word of God is very clear. If you think you are born again and you are continuously practicing sin, there could be a good chance you are self deceived. Repent ( Turn away completely from your sins for ever), ask for forgiveness and the blood of Jesus will wash you clean. Be empowered in His word. Walk in His light. Be led by His Spirit and be taught of Him. Obey His commandments.
God Bless You.
1Jn 3:6 No one who abides in Him [who lives and remains [e] in communion with and in obedience to Him--deliberately, knowingly, and [f] habitually] commits (practices) sin. No one who [habitually] sins has either seen or known Him [recognized, perceived, or understood Him, or has had an experiential acquaintance with Him].
1Jn 3:7-8 [g] Boys (lads), let no one deceive and lead you astray. He who practices righteousness [who is upright, conforming to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action, living a consistently conscientious life] is righteous, even as He is righteous. 8 [But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning. The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done].
The word of God is very clear. If you think you are born again and you are continuously practicing sin, there could be a good chance you are self deceived. Repent ( Turn away completely from your sins for ever), ask for forgiveness and the blood of Jesus will wash you clean. Be empowered in His word. Walk in His light. Be led by His Spirit and be taught of Him. Obey His commandments.
God Bless You.
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