Once a Sheep Always a Sheep, or Salvation Deficit Disorder?

[Blood Bought]

Referring back to this site, I read this today because I have a friend who I myself recently had a discussion with regarding this, and her answer was, "I guess we'll both find out when we get there." I don't know if that's a correct statement...read this.

http://www.raptureready.com/rr-second-coming.html

I assume you're talking about salvation. If you're in Christ now, you will be redeemed. Waiting to see when we get there is no assurance at all. We simply can't function full force for the Lord if we can't settle the matter in our minds once and for all. It's vital.

As for those going through the Tribulation, there is absolutely no guarantee of salvation for anyone in particular. It's a specially scary proposition to be close to trusting Christ at this time, and rejecting it.

[saint-in-training]

Amazing you should say that, she believes we can lose it, and while I did explore that ideology for a short time there, I came to the conclusion that the whole time that I thought about things being that way, I never felt like I was standing on solid ground. And that just CAN'T be right! She says they won't examine just HOW you can lose it, because you "should never think about doing something that would move you away from Him" (I can't seem to get answer about HOW they think you lose it) but is it not for us to judge. Wouldn't works come in to play there with Salvation then? And also, wouldn't there be someone there in the church to evaluate who they thought were "falling away"? Wouldn't that be judging someone?

[Blood Bought]

You see, it's because of His mercy and grace that we should be on fire for God. Not because of fear. We owe Him EVERYTHING! Of course there's no way we could pay Him back, but that should be our spirit inspired attitude. Not duty, duty, duty!, but out of gratitude and love for Him. I mean, if the yelling and screaming to duty inspires someone to get off their rear end, fine. But there's something wrong with us if we're not motivated by the undeserved gift He has given us. We're to be standing on the promises, not sitting on the premises. May we be condemned, but may His Name be lifted to the highest. Oh, our gracious Lord and Savior deserves so much more from us.

Believe me, I'm pointing three fingers at myself. I want to do so much more. I feel so inadequate and under appreciative. May he give me all the strength I need to be of better service to Him.

[saint-in-training]

I was told a little while back when I was having an upset inside myself that I wasn't doing as much as I could be, to be still and know God has put you exactly where you are supposed to be. I can witness when I can to those who are around me, but for now, He has placed me in my role as mom. And it's no small task praying and hoping your children will grow in Him, and stay close to His side! I almost wish sometimes that He would return before they grow to the age of accountability. This world is not becoming any better, but I have to rest and trust in Him. And pray, pray, pray like mad for these children! I try to read a little out of our Bible storybook every night so they become acquainted with the history. And then what is expected of them in the future.

[Blood Bought]

Your children are your congregation. :)

[saint-in-training]

Thanks for that. I needed to hear...read that. Good evening to you. :o

[Blood Bought]

:hug


Ephesians 1:3-14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure

Hebrews 6:17

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath

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In summary, let's put these truths together.


Chosen and predestinated according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of His grace. He works ALL things after the councel of His own will. We were sealed with the Holy Spirit of PROMISE. He declares the end from the beginning, His councel SHALL STAND, and He will do ALL His pleasure. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise (believers sealed and in Christ) the IMMUTABILITY of his counsel, confirmed it by OATH.

Boy, from where I'm standing, good luck overruling His will, His good pleasure, and thwarting the praise of His glory. We may fail, we may break promises and oaths, but THANK GOD, He does not.

[JesusInMe]

I was having this discussion with some of my other brothers and sisters who are believers and I wanted to know what you all think. I'm sure the "mods" will move this thread if its not in the right place.

Once someone is saved and has been born again and sealed with Holy Spirit, He is a guarentee of our inheritance and He will be with us always. But what if the believer is not walking faithfully with the LOrd at the time of the rapture and is not looking for His return. THey still get raptured...yes?

[icebear]

if they are saved, yes

[gratefulberean]

if they are saved, yes

I agree