Christians & Salvation?

When studying Salvation, it is important to consider all scripture before concluding whether a “Christian” can lose or forfeit their salvation. It is scripturally clear that God has completed the sacrifice for which salvation is granted, for all of God’s work is perfect and complete. But, the question still arise whether Christians can lose their salvation? It is blasphemy to abuse the sacrifice of the cross, and belittle the grace for which we all have been saved by continuing to live in self indulgence and sin. For, a “genuine” Christian, resembles the work of God’s hands, his mercy, his love, his humility, his character, his likeness, his image and of course his spirit. When considering this issue, we must understand fully that a “Christian” is one who believes in his heart and confesses with his mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord (governor, ruler, king) and that he resurrected from the dead (Romans 8). This confession is not simply a dictation, or a verbal declaration, for even demons will confess this, but an internal working of faith which has been proportioned by God, working through the circumcised heart of a believer. If in true, “Jesus Faith”, has settled within the heart of a believer, God and angels rejoice and the Holy Spirit immerses the believer in his truth. This eternal work shall not be damned by doctrine, but fulfilled by truth. For a Christian, who has been filled with the Holy Spirit, will bear the fruits of the Spirit. This is denoted in the word “fellow” or “fellowship”. Throughout scripture we can see that God calls us “fellow workers”, or that we may have “fellowship” with him or other believers. This word is rich in depicting the importance of remaining in Christ, for God sees our divine relationship, through the scope of us remaining in fellowship with him. For a “true” Christian is one who has forfeited his worldly relationship, for a divine one. This, in turn, will assure and secure his eternal reward. You can not have true fellowship with God, and still come out looking and acting like the world. But, of course, this is finally revealed through time, and God will certainly judge the thoughts of the heart.

Food for thought, What is the difference between a sheep and a goat?

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Reconciliation

Consider the agonizing force of a loving relationship ending in divorce. The separation of a lost child, in a highly populated area, where it’s parents just realized that their child is no where to be found. How about, the complete lost of a loved one, when you are granted one last opportunity to see their face before lowering them to their rest. This is a minimal analogy of what it could have possibly felt like, when Adam committed sin, and all humanity was separated from God. For the Bible teaches us, that we all have fallen short of the Glory of God, and that because of our depravity we are separated from him. But, how beautiful is it to know, that God is not only holy, but forgiving. Reconciliation is the complete act of bonding that which was severed. God is a loving father who is waiting for his prodigal sons to return, he awaits the day, for which man will once again acknowledge the sacrifice for which he died. For Christ alone, “elected” to die, so that we may be eternally reconciled to the father and our rightful relationship with him can be completely restored. For in biblical reconciliation there is complete healing, complete hope, and complete love for which God is pleased and heaven rejoices because the father’s children have returned. Thank you for the blood of Jesus.

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The issue of "Lordship Salvation"

It is very clear, that in scripture there was a messenger by the name of John (which in hebrew means grace), it was prophesied about John, that he would be a forerunner of the anointed one (Messiah). His purpose as stated in scripture is to make straight the path, for the coming of our Savior. His message is clear “repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand”. In order for individuals to recognize, and see the Kingdom at work through Christ, they must be spiritually circumcised. There must be an acknowledgement of sin, in order to be saved from sin. If sin (separation from God) is not recognized, then we fool ourselves to believe that we are closer to God than we really are.

The “Lordship Salvation” anamoly is a great title for something which is fundamentally clear in scripture, we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord (governor, ruler, king) so that we may be saved from the ruling power of sin. Repentance is a fundamental element in receiving salvation, and can not be substituted for reasoning, or dictation. For in everything that is alive – bares fruit, is animated, and is in motion. To say that faith without fruits is acceptable, is like saying lets plant a tree but hope that nothing grows!!! There is life in everything God births, so if you claim to have faith, than the fruits of God’s work is revealed. James said it best “tell me about your faith, and I will show you my work, for faith without work is dead”. For faith, is hope in action!

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Divine Election

1 John 4:19 “We love, because he first loved us.” These are the words that speak to me, when considering the “Divine Election”.

When the Lord orchestrated his creation, and lavished it with beauty, he took into account man. For in the womb he weaved our sinews together, and gave us a name (purpose). He created all things, that we may be fruitful and multiply, and reveal his awesome love. For in doing so, he predestined us to be made into the image and likeness of his Son. When considering the size of his creation, it reminds me of how small we are, in the scope and size of his throne. But yet, he considers us, the apple of his eyes? This unconditional, unmerited favor (grace), reveals a side of God which is to immense to fathom. Electing to write our names in the Book of Life, and granting us the opportunity to be seated for eternity around his throne is an eternal honor which no human being is worthy of, yet, he bestows his election. For God himself said “I show mercy, to whom I desire to show mercy to”, this truth reveals a side of God which reflects his sovereign right to choose, the way he desires, to whom he desires, with no apology. For we did nothing to attain his divine mercy, nor can we do anything to hold God accountable for a debt, but received all things because of his divine love. Knowing that God has adopted me into the circle of his righteous family, and that he predestined me to live out my call, gives me a sense of unmerited comfort. For no words are more perfect than:

Romans 8: 28-30

“28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

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