Once saved always saved? Or is salvation conditional on believing and following God's Word?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
20,395
113
#81
In the past the ifs have had me shiverring and tucking my tail between my legs. I too would like more clarity on the scriptures that seem to point to contingencies. However, I rest now in His promises. I think they are His design to make sure we REALLY believe. Jeremiah comes to mind.

I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so that they will not turn away from Me.
Jeremiah 32:40 NASB


It is He that saves us and He that keeps us. All of us who believe will stumble, all of us who believe will grow as we yearn to humbly walk with Him. Only He is able to present us blameless. We are in Him. We are not Him.

It is because of our trust in Him that we can rest in this...

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Jude 1:24‭-‬25 NASB

But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts , boast in the Lord .”
1 Corinthians 1:30‭-‬31 NASB

I believe obedience is very important component of loving Him. He says so. That is why He put His laws in our heart. The key, for me, is trusting in His ability to get us where we need to be, rather than hoping and trusting in ourselves. I don't know about you but history has proven to me that trusting in Him rather than myself is the wise way to go. Seeking His word and walking humbly with Him all is possible because He first loves us. He gets all the Glory.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, “H e scattered abroad , he gave to the poor , H is righteousness endures forever .” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;
2 Corinthians 9:8‭-‬10 NASB

We are not set apart because of anything we do, but because He is Holy.

I believe He wants to renew our thoughts in Him, constantly working within, helping us walk in His spirit, not be terrified of our carnality waging war against Him.

I believe in Him and my trust is in Him. Great is His Faithfulness.
ALL the "if's" listed DO NOT alleviate and or change the TRUTH of my 1st post in this thread.....the bible does not contradict itself....it does NOT teach a conditional salvation.....it does teach a conditional FELLOWSHIP based upon faithful service and walking in the light......

and like I have said....EVERY MAN/WOMAN that peddles a LOSABLE salvation maintained by SELF EFFORT will ALL say they have NEVER LOST IT and YET people who believe in eternal security are as LOST as a GOOSE.....is is hilariously tragic, dishonest and contrary to the truth.

JESUS SAID--->I WILL LOSE NOTHING <----IF ONE MAN or WOMAN loses SALVATION then this VERSE IS A LIE

The BIBLE does NOT contradict itself

NOT by WORKS of righteousness which we have done <---IF ONE AN or WOMAN MUST MAINTAIN IT BY OBEDIENCE this verse is a LIE

The BIBLE does not contradict itself

WE are KEPT by the POWER of GOD through faith <---IF one MAN or WOMAN LOSES IT or MUST maintain it this VERSE IS A LIE

The BIBLE does NOT contradict ITSELF

JESUS BEGINS, FINISHES and COMPLETES the work of faith in US <---IF ONE man or WOMAN loses faith and loses salvation this VERSE IS A LIE

THE BIBLE does not contradict itself

I can go on ALL night like this....and that is the POINT that MOST cannot grasp...to say it can be lost or maintained BY MAN contradicts the WORD OF GOD and PITS it against itself!!!!
 

Smooth

Well-known member
Jul 22, 2019
460
627
93
#82
YES obedience is everything.
For God so loved the world that He gave His own Son that whoever IS OBEDIENT shall not perish but have everlasting life. Yeah, my Bible doesn’t say that either.
 
Aug 11, 2019
75
37
8
#83
Are you more free than others who believe in the eternal, irrevocable gift of grace through faith?
My faith and righteousness comes from him who loves me and died for me. He has set me free from my sins to believe and follow him. Those who do not believe and follow him are still in their sins because they do not believe and follow.

God bless
 

Melach

Well-known member
Mar 28, 2019
2,026
1,512
113
#84
What is it that you do not believe that has been presented in the scriptures in the OP? Happy to discuss it with you.
i never said i dont believe those verses. why are u so friendly if you are saying i dont even believe scripture? please

i just believe that when Jesus says for example keep commandments, its Jesus earthly ministry He is living under the law.

then after resurrection its a different message. because how can u preach death burial and resurrection of Jesus if He is still alive and hasnt went to cross yet? makes no sense
 

CharliRenee

Member
Staff member
Nov 4, 2014
6,687
7,165
113
#85
ALL the "if's" listed DO NOT alleviate and or change the TRUTH of my 1st post in this thread.....the bible does not contradict itself....it does NOT teach a conditional salvation.....it does teach a conditional FELLOWSHIP based upon faithful service and walking in the light......

and like I have said....EVERY MAN/WOMAN that peddles a LOSABLE salvation maintained by SELF EFFORT will ALL say they have NEVER LOST IT and YET people who believe in eternal security are as LOST as a GOOSE.....is is hilariously tragic, dishonest and contrary to the truth.

JESUS SAID--->I WILL LOSE NOTHING <----IF ONE MAN or WOMAN loses SALVATION then this VERSE IS A LIE

The BIBLE does NOT contradict itself

NOT by WORKS of righteousness which we have done <---IF ONE AN or WOMAN MUST MAINTAIN IT BY OBEDIENCE this verse is a LIE

The BIBLE does not contradict itself

WE are KEPT by the POWER of GOD through faith <---IF one MAN or WOMAN LOSES IT or MUST maintain it this VERSE IS A LIE

The BIBLE does NOT contradict ITSELF

JESUS BEGINS, FINISHES and COMPLETES the work of faith in US <---IF ONE man or WOMAN loses faith and loses salvation this VERSE IS A LIE

THE BIBLE does not contradict itself

I can go on ALL night like this....and that is the POINT that MOST cannot grasp...to say it can be lost or maintained BY MAN contradicts the WORD OF GOD and PITS it against itself!!!!
I know it frustrates you to have to repeat yourself but I appreciate your making these points clear. I agree that ALL the scriptures must harmonize with each other, and that He is NOT the author of confusion. I do believe and trust Him more now than ever because I am seeking Him and relying on Him rather than on self. I am so grateful to Him.
 
Aug 11, 2019
75
37
8
#86
ALL the "if's" listed DO NOT alleviate and or change the TRUTH of my 1st post in this thread.....the bible does not contradict itself....it does NOT teach a conditional salvation.....it does teach a conditional FELLOWSHIP based upon faithful service and walking in the light......

and like I have said....EVERY MAN/WOMAN that peddles a LOSABLE salvation maintained by SELF EFFORT will ALL say they have NEVER LOST IT and YET people who believe in eternal security are as LOST as a GOOSE.....is is hilariously tragic, dishonest and contrary to the truth.

JESUS SAID--->I WILL LOSE NOTHING <----IF ONE MAN or WOMAN loses SALVATION then this VERSE IS A LIE

The BIBLE does NOT contradict itself

NOT by WORKS of righteousness which we have done <---IF ONE AN or WOMAN MUST MAINTAIN IT BY OBEDIENCE this verse is a LIE

The BIBLE does not contradict itself

WE are KEPT by the POWER of GOD through faith <---IF one MAN or WOMAN LOSES IT or MUST maintain it this VERSE IS A LIE

The BIBLE does NOT contradict ITSELF

JESUS BEGINS, FINISHES and COMPLETES the work of faith in US <---IF ONE man or WOMAN loses faith and loses salvation this VERSE IS A LIE

THE BIBLE does not contradict itself

I can go on ALL night like this....and that is the POINT that MOST cannot grasp...to say it can be lost or maintained BY MAN contradicts the WORD OF GOD and PITS it against itself!!!!
I think my friend your trying to make arguments no one is making. Once again what is it in the OP and the scriptures provided there that you disagree with? Jesus saying he will lose nothing is in the present tense to those who the father has given him that believe and follow His word. It is not saying we can not believe and not follow God's word and still expect to receive God's promises which are conditional on believing and following.
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
113
#87
Gods ifs are not like mans ifs. God declares He will do and He does. Man equivocates God does not.

OP you claim to be saved by grace but then you make Gods grace contingent on your faith which translates your works. This is where you fail. God and God alone saves and keeps. Man progresses in sanctification after the salvation by grace. Salvation is complete in Christ. Sanctification is a life long journey.

You will better grasp the subject material after you have walked with Christ for a couple decades.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
20,395
113
#88
For God so loved the world that He gave His own Son that whoever IS OBEDIENT shall not perish but have everlasting life. Yeah, my Bible doesn’t say that either.
HAHHA you have a point there my friend.....mine does not say that either........
 
Aug 11, 2019
75
37
8
#89
i never said i dont believe those verses. why are u so friendly if you are saying i dont even believe scripture? please

i just believe that when Jesus says for example keep commandments, its Jesus earthly ministry He is living under the law.

then after resurrection its a different message. because how can u preach death burial and resurrection of Jesus if He is still alive and hasnt went to cross yet? makes no sense
Hello brother please forgive me perhaps I misunderstood your earlier post. No one is under the law if they have received God's forgiveness and are believing and following God's word. We are only under the law if we are guilty or breaking it (Romans 3:19-20)

God bless
 
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
20,395
113
#91
i never said i dont believe those verses. why are u so friendly if you are saying i dont even believe scripture? please

i just believe that when Jesus says for example keep commandments, its Jesus earthly ministry He is living under the law.

then after resurrection its a different message. because how can u preach death burial and resurrection of Jesus if He is still alive and hasnt went to cross yet? makes no sense
he states the same to all that disagree with him....same thing the other guy used to say........coincidental I guess
 
7

7seasrekeyed

Guest
#92
41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:

And yet so many refuse to comply and refuse to obey.
who has refused to be baptized ?

I would like some names cause I have never seen or read a post from anyone here who states they refuse baptism

let's talk about how you believe that baptism washes away sin and one must be baptized or you are not saved

or would that derail the thread? :unsure:
 
Aug 11, 2019
75
37
8
#93
ALL the "if's" listed DO NOT alleviate and or change the TRUTH of my 1st post in this thread.....the bible does not contradict itself....it does NOT teach a conditional salvation.....it does teach a conditional FELLOWSHIP based upon faithful service and walking in the light......

and like I have said....EVERY MAN/WOMAN that peddles a LOSABLE salvation maintained by SELF EFFORT will ALL say they have NEVER LOST IT and YET people who believe in eternal security are as LOST as a GOOSE.....is is hilariously tragic, dishonest and contrary to the truth.

JESUS SAID--->I WILL LOSE NOTHING <----IF ONE MAN or WOMAN loses SALVATION then this VERSE IS A LIE

The BIBLE does NOT contradict itself

NOT by WORKS of righteousness which we have done <---IF ONE AN or WOMAN MUST MAINTAIN IT BY OBEDIENCE this verse is a LIE

The BIBLE does not contradict itself

WE are KEPT by the POWER of GOD through faith <---IF one MAN or WOMAN LOSES IT or MUST maintain it this VERSE IS A LIE

The BIBLE does NOT contradict ITSELF

JESUS BEGINS, FINISHES and COMPLETES the work of faith in US <---IF ONE man or WOMAN loses faith and loses salvation this VERSE IS A LIE

THE BIBLE does not contradict itself

I can go on ALL night like this....and that is the POINT that MOST cannot grasp...to say it can be lost or maintained BY MAN contradicts the WORD OF GOD and PITS it against itself!!!!
You seem to be repeating yourself without making any points that address the OP and what is being shared here. Did you wish to state what it is that you disagree with and why?
 

CharliRenee

Member
Staff member
Nov 4, 2014
6,687
7,165
113
#94
Hi Charli,

Great post, I really enjoyed reading it. I think when we are first coming to know God than God uses these scriptures to lead us to Jesus that we might be forgiven through faith (Galatians 3:22-25). Once we become believers and followers of God's Word and have been born again to love (Hebrews 8:10-12; 1 John 5:17; 1 John 3:6-10), I believe God's commandments are his promises to those who believe and follow him who called us in love to love another. Thanks for sharing with us

God bless
Thank you for your kindness, reckon I will go back to the word, where I belong. :)

Praise be to God for His tender-mercies.
 
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
20,395
113
#96
I think my friend your trying to make arguments no one is making. Once again what is it in the OP and the scriptures provided there that you disagree with? Jesus saying he will lose nothing is in the present tense to those who the father has given him that believe and follow His word. It is not saying we can not believe and not follow God's word and still expect to receive God's promises which are conditional on believing and following.
So far you have not done anything to make me think you are my friend....as a matter of fact all I have received from you is negative responses, red x's and thumbs down.....as far as the scriptures GO....I suggest YOU open your eyes to the fact that the GREEK also contains PERFECT TENSE and AORIST TENSE verbs as well.....and THEY indeed to set forth ETERNAL security......

SANCTIFIED forever is as clear as it comes........END of story......
 
Aug 11, 2019
75
37
8
#97
Thank you for your kindness, reckon I will go back to the word, where I belong. :)

Praise be to God for His tender-mercies.
Praise God Charli, this is where we all belong and only where I wish to point all and is the reason for me name tag.

God bless
 

Smooth

Well-known member
Jul 22, 2019
460
627
93
#99
My faith and righteousness comes from him who loves me and died for me. He has set me free from my sins to believe and follow him. Those who do not believe and follow him are still in their sins because they do not believe and follow.

God bless
I’m not attacking you when I say this, but your righteousness is but filthy rags to God. Not my words, but His. That’s why I rest my entire being on His loving, eternal, irrevocable saving grace.
 
Aug 11, 2019
75
37
8
So far you have not done anything to make me think you are my friend....as a matter of fact all I have received from you is negative responses, red x's and thumbs down.....as far as the scriptures GO....I suggest YOU open your eyes to the fact that the GREEK also contains PERFECT TENSE and AORIST TENSE verbs as well.....and THEY indeed to set forth ETERNAL security......

SANCTIFIED forever is as clear as it comes........END of story......
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks I guess. I am happy to call you friend. You are free to do as you wish. The aorists have been posted in the OP and 2nd and 3rd posts and through this thread indicative conditional on believing "present tense" and following. Once again what is it in the OP and the scriptures that are being shared here that you disagree with and why?

If you cannot state why then why do you disagree?