Ok I wanted to clarify some things... I hope this helps!
I don't believe salvation is by works; salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The evidence of true salvation in a believer's life is a -changed- life, a life that shines Christ and is obedient to the Father's will. (Ephesians 2:1-10)
A TRUE believer will not live in a perpetual state of sin (I John 3:6) but will be changed as they grow in grace.
What the writer of Hebrews was telling the Jewish believers and us in 4:1 is that we should "fear" coming up short of salvation. Herein lies the wisdom that a believer should doubt/examine/question his salvation regularly.
An unbeliever who professes Christ & is living in sin will probably not honestly question their salvation because if they did they would correct their ways. The writer therefore advises us true believers to "fear" coming up short - to examine our faith to make sure it is genuine! Paul also said to "work out your own salvation" in Philippians 2:12. (Verse 13 completes the thought.)
The believer must be sure beyond the shadow of a doubt that they are saved. That's why Hebrews 4:1 tells us to fear & why we should not dismiss doubting but embrace it.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
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4 comments:
Aaron, I'm going to have to take your word for it. In my weak faith, I just don't see it. I know that is what the scripture says, but it just doesn't match being sealed. Even when I had strayed, I knew I was saved. How? Because when I came back to Christ, there was no need to be "resaved", as it were. I knew from the Holy Spirit that my salvation was still intact.
Now, I say all of this to simply admit that I don't "Get" it...not to say that you are wrong. This one has pricked my heart and it will just take some time. Thanks for coming back to the topic for me.
Dan,
I believe you hit it when you said "when I came back to Christ." A true believer will not stay in sin; he or she will always return to Christ, not to be "resaved" but because the Shepherd will go for His sheep.
Dan I will admit to you that it has taken me a long time to "get it." The more I grow in grace the more conflict I find between the traditions I was raised on and true Bible Doctrine and Instruction.
Thanks for your comments and posts Dan, I truly appreciate it. I want to be clear and concise with anything I try to convey from God's Word - while at the same time verifying that what I believe is true and Biblical. Thank you for making me think! Iron sharpens Iron; you're a blessing to me! God bless!
Dan,
Just one question, How did you know you were saved when you were away from God? I not saying you weren't but I am interesed in how you KNEW you were saved?
Your coming back to Christ would certainly be evidence of salvation. But what if you would have never returned to Christ? Would you still KNOW you were saved?
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