1. Why is it not possible for a genuine believer to one day no longer believe? (This isn't asking if we can lose our salvation, but simply asking if a genuine believer can stop believing.) Share scripture if you'd like.
2. If someone believes their faith is genuine, as all Christians do, how exactly does it all become ingenuine the second they stop believing? If that person would have died before they stopped believing, would they have been a true Christian then?
3. If they were never saved, does that mean God rejected that person the entire time they thought they were saved? Once again, as a young boy of 10 years of age, I asked the Lord to come into my life, and I began my walk with Christ. Did God reject me as a young boy? Does that not contradict a boatload of Scripture?
Actually, Jesus said it is possible. In the story of the sower in Luke 8, Jesus said:
11 This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Seems to me the person doing the sowing is of real importance in this story. If we recklessly sow the word of God where it won't take root (sowing our opinions, own understanding, our religious belief systems, etc.), there's no chance for the Truth of Jesus Christ to grow in that person's life. And if we give the word of God to someone and then don't disciple them (teach and be an example), the cares & troubles in this life will discourage them from keeping on the path of righteousness.
The sower is the one bringing the message of God. It's imperative that we introduce people to Jesus Christ, not preach our opinions or our religious belief systems. Only the truth, which is Christ Jesus, can root down and grow in a person spiritually. It's not head knowledge or theology or philosophy that gives us a foundation, the Lord keeps us in Himself. It is literally Christ in us.
Do I think there are genuine Christians who gave up and walked away? Sure, because I was one. Like the one sheep who got away, Jesus rescued me and brought me back to Himself (Truth). I had gotten disillusioned with religion, hypocrisy and modern day Pharisees condemning everyone. But Jesus proved He is faithful and showed me Himself. He said love God (trust & believe Him) and treat others the way you want to be treated. I’m learning more and more, day by day, because He’s the One conforming me into His image, as a Father who trains His child.
I wouldn’t think you have given up completely on the Lord because you’re still drawn to come here to be among Christians, you’re still pondering facets of God’s Truth, still seeking answers. If you had abandoned God altogether, you wouldn’t even be contemplating these thoughts you’re posting or bother coming here at all, ya know? But I'm glad you did.
No matter what, God knows the deepest recesses of your heart. He knows what you need and how to love you. I suggest if you really have questions, ask God Himself. He definitely knows how to answer you. And when God gives you an answer from His own Spirit to yours, it won’t be sown on thorny or rocky ground. It will be truth rooted into your heart so deeply that nobody and nothing in this world will ever be able to take away from you.
Take care, nogard.
