1 Timothy 4:1 - "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."
1 Timothy 4:16 - "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."
Here's the problem I have with Once Saved, Always Saved - We're basically telling people that despite the way you choose to live your life, as long as you had accepted Jesus at one particular point in your life, your salvation is assured. First of all, we make the assumption that these people really came to a saving faith to begin with, which should never be assumed. Secondly, I really believe no one or nothing can rip us away from God's hands of salvation, but I do believe that one can forfeit what has been given to them. Paul writes to "persevere in your life and doctrine". I believe that the true sign of salvation is obedience to Christ. It's a given that those saved still sin, but there is a huge difference between sinning and repenting and just walking away or abandoning the faith without any concern for God, His Character and His commands. The whole idea of scripture is to not just believe at one point in one's life.....it is to believe and keep on believing.....it is not to repent once....but repent and continue to continue repenting as we walk.
What do you say of a Muslim who said they once professed a faith in Christ, but were lead to the 'truth' that Allah is God and His prophet is Muhammed or to the godless person in general who said they said a prayer one time and accepted Jesus into their heart yet continue to live a sinful life without any second thought about godly things? Do you say, 'Hey, brother...as long as you've 'accepted Jesus' at one point in your life.....? I believe there are either one of two possibilities. They either never really came to a saving faith in Christ (....and Jesus said to them, "Get away from me, I never knew you....") or flat out abandon the truth for a lie(s) ("..some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."). Anyway, off to work I go. I welcome any replies. Thanks for reading!! God bless.