Friday, September 5, 2008
Basic Theology
The fact that we are secure in Christ and cannot lose salvation does not mean we have a free pass to sin. Romans 6 makes that plain. The practical benefit to believers is that we can climb higher in our journey of spiritual growth without fear of falling , much like a climber who is secured by a safety rope. Yes, we all sin as believers. John explains that we have immediate cleansing through the blood of Christ if we confess our sins. I John 1:7-9 But what about deliberate serious sin and no confession of it? If we cannot lose salvation then what can we lose? God will gently discipline us when we stray but He will allow severe loss if we persist to the point of rebellion! Was Jonah saved? Of course he was! But look at what God allowed to happen! When we rebel against the known will of God we lose fellowship with God, fellowship with other believers, and a sense of inner peace. We also lose opportunities to serve Christ and the future rewards He promises. We can even lose assurance of our salvation. True believers might "feel" lost because they are "grieving the Spirit of God". Finally God may take us home early! Yes! That is what is called the "sin unto death". I John 5:16-17; I Cor.11:30 where "sleep" means death! So let me ask you, "Don't we have a good reason to press on to maturity? Hebrews 6:1 We have both strong encouragement and strong warning to "live out our salvation" in fear and trembling. We are bought with a price! We are not our own! God saved us for a purpose and that is to glorify Him! I Cor.6:19 For those who insist that we can lose salvation I would ask, "What can you possibly accomplish for God by your own merits?" John 15:5 But through Christ we can do all things! Phil.4:13 Next time we will discuss "Rewards". Even though every thing good we do is by His power and grace God promises rewards for those who love Him! Hebrews 11:6 See you next time! Bill
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