Concept: Eternal Life cannot be lost once possessed because if it can, it is not eternal.
The quality of life as eternal does not depend upon its possession. It remains as such whether or not one accepts it. Does a diamond jewelry lose its characteristics just because you happen to misplace it? Absolutely not! It still retains its attributes - cut, color, clarity, and carat. Similarly, eternal life remains eternal regardless of whether or not it is possessed. In fact, it was eternal even before it was given to us. “But isn’t this reasoning at odds with Romans 8: 38, 39 and John 10:28?” you may ask.
Alright, let’s look up these passages of the Scriptures...
Romans 8:38, 39 reads,”For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NIV). Note that these verses declare that nothing will be able to separate us from the love (not life) of God. The preceding verses further shed light on this. Paul is referring to the persecutions, hardships, and constant exposures to danger that faithful followers of Christ experience. None of these Paul says can separate us from the love of Christ because in Him we are more than conquerors.
Another way of looking at this passage is from God’s perspective. He loves everyone and will continue to do so. Nothing in this world will cause Him to stop loving us. Clearly then, no one is separated from the love of God but the wicked are separated from the life of God (Eph. 4:8 Isaiah 59:2).
John 10:28 says, ``I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.`` In this verse Jesus is referring to His sheep. His sheep hear his voice and they follow Him (John 10:27). What Jesus is saying here is this: For as long as they are hearing His voice and following Him, they shall never perish and no one can snatch them out of His hand. The conditions are therefore clear. This promise cannot be claimed by anyone who lives in sin and rebellion to God.
This Concept then crumbles in the light of logic and Scriptures.
Showing posts with label concept. Show all posts
Showing posts with label concept. Show all posts
Monday, June 07, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
A Concept Collapses - 1st Installment
Concept: Christians have been forgiven of their sins past, present and future
At first glance it sounds true and seems to make sense, but does it? Let’s see. Sin as defined in the Scriptures is essentially an act. In one of his letters, John states that it is the “transgression (violation, breaking) of the law” (1 John 3:4KJV). In fact, identify any sin in the Scriptures and almost always you will see that it involves a choice whether it is a thought or deed.
Therefore if sin is a choice or an act and for it to be forgiven, it must be confessed and repented of, how then is it possible that a Christian’s future sinful act has already been forgiven? How can I feel remorse and conviction for something I have not done? How can I ask forgiveness for something I know nothing about? Confession of sin is a condition of forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Do you see the point?
A retort may be given that because God knows my future actions (including those deemed sinful), He could and has already forgiven me of my unrighteous acts. I find this reasoning lacking in Scriptural backing.
Let us grant for a moment that this Concept is true. Logically, it follows that any professing Christian can do any heinous act and should feel no guilt, shame or remorse, and need of forgiveness anymore. Repentance? Unnecessary! Why? Because the sinful act has already been forgiven. He can live like the devil (God forbid!) and according to the proponents of this Concept, he is still bound for heaven. What an awful thought! In effect this is giving license to ungodly lifestyle. Can you see the danger of this Idea which is being propagated daily?
Jesus, in His discourse clearly stated that the Father’s forgiveness depends on us extending forgiveness to those who have wronged us (Matthew 6:12, 14-15). John said that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Read Matthew 18:23 -35 and weep.
At first glance it sounds true and seems to make sense, but does it? Let’s see. Sin as defined in the Scriptures is essentially an act. In one of his letters, John states that it is the “transgression (violation, breaking) of the law” (1 John 3:4KJV). In fact, identify any sin in the Scriptures and almost always you will see that it involves a choice whether it is a thought or deed.
Therefore if sin is a choice or an act and for it to be forgiven, it must be confessed and repented of, how then is it possible that a Christian’s future sinful act has already been forgiven? How can I feel remorse and conviction for something I have not done? How can I ask forgiveness for something I know nothing about? Confession of sin is a condition of forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Do you see the point?
A retort may be given that because God knows my future actions (including those deemed sinful), He could and has already forgiven me of my unrighteous acts. I find this reasoning lacking in Scriptural backing.
Let us grant for a moment that this Concept is true. Logically, it follows that any professing Christian can do any heinous act and should feel no guilt, shame or remorse, and need of forgiveness anymore. Repentance? Unnecessary! Why? Because the sinful act has already been forgiven. He can live like the devil (God forbid!) and according to the proponents of this Concept, he is still bound for heaven. What an awful thought! In effect this is giving license to ungodly lifestyle. Can you see the danger of this Idea which is being propagated daily?
Jesus, in His discourse clearly stated that the Father’s forgiveness depends on us extending forgiveness to those who have wronged us (Matthew 6:12, 14-15). John said that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Read Matthew 18:23 -35 and weep.
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