My thoughts about salvation
I believe it is possible to have the full assurance concerning salvation.
Colossians 2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
I also believe it is possible for a Christian to fall short of the promised rest.
Hebrews 4:8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
I believe that many believers will be cast into outer darkness
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I believe there are Christians that do not wear a wedding garment, that signifies the "righteousnesses" of the saints. This is different from being washed by the blood of Jesus and forgiven of our sins. We need to have experiences where we obey the Lord even if it means putting to death our natural man.
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I believe there are Christians who call Jesus Lord, they know He is coming again, and yet they beat their fellow servants, calling them false prophets and mocking and ridiculing them.
Matthew 24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I believe we need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
I believe the gospel shows us the way of salvation
Acts 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
I believe the gospel is the power unto salvation for everyone that believes.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
I believe that salvation is a two step process, you must believe in your heart in order to be right with God and you must confess with your mouth in order to be saved.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
I believe that every time we believe a word from the Bible we receive the sealing of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13 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,
That is like a coat of shellac that will help protect us from unbelief. However, most people who do finish carpentry will tell you they would never just put down one coat and think the furniture is sealed. You put down a coat, then you sand it down. After that you put down another coat and again sand it down. This is our experience, we believe in a word and then we get tested on that word, then we believe on another word, get tested, and this process goes on and on and until you have a beautiful piece of furniture. You can put five coats of lacquer on a piece of fine furniture. After each coat you sand it with a finer sandpaper and can finish up with a polish.
1Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
This is a great summary of what I believe concerning salvation. If you have believed on the Lord and been washed in His blood I believe you have been appointed to obtain salvation. But you have to do your part. This would be like a girl who is engaged to get married. That is a legally binding contract as long as she does her part. Obviously there are things that this girl could do that would change that so that she is appointed to wrath instead. All you have to do is read the Old Testament to realize God is able to break that marriage contract just like Moses broke the ten commandments.
2Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
Again, I think we have been chosen to salvation and this salvation is through a process of sanctification of the Spirit (like I described with the Spirit sealing us similar to putting one coat after another of lacquer on us). We are also sanctified by the truth. It is important to see they are two things. The truth is the word of God, it is the expression of the word of God. But the Spirit can also work through hymns, worship, prayers, fellowship, etc.
2Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
You have to mix the word of God with faith. Simply studying the word like a theologian may not result in salvation, and simply being so spiritual and filled with faith yet devoid of the word of God will also not result in salvation.
1Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Accordingly, I believe that when you receive the word of God by faith it goes into your spirit. However, if you are immersed into the word of God on a daily basis it will spread into your soul. That is how you can receive the salvation of your soul as well as your spirit.