Did you know Paul was the first sinner to get saved.
1Ti_1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Gal 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
I'm new here. This is my first post, actually. I'm confused about Paul being the first to be saved. The apostles received the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, before Paul became a Christian in Acts 9?
In answer to the post, yes, I do believe in the preservation of the saints, provided one is truly saved. Romans 10:8-9 says that "if we confess with our mouth the LORD Jesus...with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." It is not only belief in Jesus as Savior, but also as Lord, giving control of our lives over to Him. Many people want to go to heaven, but don't really want to be transformed on earth. The indwelling Holy Spirit does the transforming: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor. 3:18). I believe that simply looking for a way to heaven without a willingness to be transformed on earth is not true salvation. We will never be perfect, but Christians long for maturity, and steadily improve as the Trinity works on them.
However, if one is truly saved (and only God knows the heart), then they are indwelt with the Holy Spirit. According to Ephesians 1:13-14, we were "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." 1 Peter 1:3-4 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does NOT fade away" (Emphasis, mine.) Jude 24 says, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy..." 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also WILL do it" (emphasis, mine).
Since believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who is a guarantee of our salvation, and since God Himself sanctifies us (though we want to be obedient), and is faithful to do it, I don't see how a truly saved person can ever lose his/her salvation.
servantanna