There has sadly been misinformation going around the church. Information about salvation is getting watered down. I have heard a couple of ministers telling “babes in Christ” that once they accept Jesus Christ, they are always saved no matter what.
Why is this a problem?
Let’s start with Judas Iscariot. Judas was a disciple of Jesus Christ for about 3 years. Yet he turned from Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. What does Jesus say in Matthew?
“The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
“But there are some of you who do not believe ” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.
You’re probably saying that those examples do not negate the theory of once saved always saved. Let’s keep going.
Philippians 2:12 King James Version (KJV)
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.
Matthew 7:21-23 King James Version (KJV)
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity
John 14:15-31 King James Version (KJV)
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
I know I’ve only put scriptures so far. I did it on purpose because I want you to think about these scriptures. When you tell someone that once they believe in Jesus Christ and confess with their mouth ; they will always be saved no matter what. What a person might think is, they can accept Jesus Christ and then do what ever they want and when ever they want to do it.
No, the person might not show visible change right away. But at some point, hopefully before they die, they will give God their full self. God requires submission.
James 2 King James Version (KJV)
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
We need to stop leading people astray by watered down doctrine. Jesus himself, when people asked him to be a disciple; he told them to leave everything and follow him. Another person said they wanted to say bye to their family. Jesus let him know that he would not be a good fit at that time.
