| So You Think You Are Completely and Finally Saved?
The New Testament sometimes says that salvation is an accomplished reality, and at other times says it is still in the future, a seeming contradiction that is not limited to salvation alone. So what is the answer? Can we be assured we have salvation now, or is it something we have to strive and hope for. Have we already been adopted as sons, or are we eagerly waiting for this adoption? Are we righteous now, or is it yet a distant hope? For those who are actually interested in what the Bible says on the subject… as opposed to what parents, pastors, friends, or denomination may have taught, the answer to the above questions is .. BOTH. Christ’s death on Calvary.. the sacrifice itself, was but the first half of the process. The second half... the atonement, is yet in the future. Complete deliverance will not be realized until Christ puts away sin at the end of the ages, when He (Jesus) will appear “before the face of God for us”. [Hebrews 9: 26]. But to properly understand that concept requires a more complete understanding of the atonement, for which we have to turn to the Old Testament.
See The Two Phase Atonement
**** Breezy, self-confident Christians tell us how wonderful it is to accept Christ and then have a good time all the rest of your life; the Lord won't demand anything of you. Yes, He will, my friend! The Lord will demand everything of you. And when you give it all up to Him, He may bless it and hand it back, but on the other hand He may not. . . .A. W. Tozer
The Cost of Commitment
It does cost something to be a real Christian, according to the standard of the Bible. There are enemies to be overcome, battles to be fought, sacrifices to be made, an Egypt to be forsaken, a wilderness to be passed through, a cross to be carried, a race to be run. The consequence of not counting the cost at the beginning is that people will fall away. Like the man with the tower, they won't be able to finish it; or they are in danger of giving up in a spiritual battle for which they are not prepared. Possible Spiritual Tragedies Between Initial and Final Salvation
Don’t be deceived! According to Scripture, it is possible to have a spiritual tragedy. Safeguards For You
In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus taught that five out of ten (or 50%) of the people who once had a light burning in their spiritual lanterns will not be known by him when he returns (Mt. 25:1-13). The context of that teaching is specifically for the last generation. This same kind of incredible apostasy-warning is also found in Mt. 24:10; 2 Thess. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:1 and 2 Tim. 4:4. It's eternally important, therefore, that we stay ready to meet the Lord. This is where safeguards come in! Encourage Yourself In The Lord
To be victorious, at times, you’re going to have to encourage yourself in the Lord. Victory and blessings followed David’s choice. On the other hand, try to imagine what would have happened if he didn’t! Do Christians Have To "Be Careful," "Watch" and "Be On Guard"?
There are those who would say “No”, But Scripture is replete with warnings about not dropping your guard. Also See Section Living The Faith...The Biblical Christian
Section Includes... The Times, Holiness, The Christian and Knowledge, Knowledge Fear and Worship of God, Faith And Works, Legalism Vs. Grace, Growing in The Faith, Money and Finances, Women, The Pattern Of The New Testament Church, The Lord's Supper, Baptism, Prayer, Daily Living, The Will of God,
God’s Tests, Confrontation.. Forgiveness.. Reconciliation and Love, Entertainment/The Media, Christian Spiritual Practices, Separation and Warfare, Giving Up, Misc (The Unforgivable Sin, Personal Resolutions, The Environment. |
