Hello Joan. I fully agree with what Jesse has shared with you. And thank you for your testimony of the Lord "giving you another chance", making you new again. Accordingly, your life has turned about completely & you want to glorify Him through it by living only for Him.
But you are in conflict & despair as to what would have happened if you died whilst in a comatose state & were living in sin. This is a question no one here can answer, as salvation is "of the Lord" & is personal between Him (His Spirit) & you. Each person's state is only known by God, & what He does to bring a sinning Christian back to Himself, cannot be known by us. What concerned me was what you said, "if in our past after receiving salvation we were a good Christian for a while, yet this changed to a sinful nature." Again, only the Lord & you would know what took place at the time of salvation. When you heard the Gospel, when you responded to it, how you were taught in the Word, how you responded to the Holy Spirit's Work in you, are some questions only you can answer. If your salvation wasn't real at that time (i.e. without conviction of sin & your estrangement from God) or maybe you heard the Gospel in an incorrect/incomplete way, then when looking back at the attractions of the world & to fulfil your desires would be easy to do, without any sense of guilt or wrongdoing.
But if you were saved at that time, the Holy Spirit wouldn't let you go - every thought, every act or desire of yours would bring about conviction because sin cannot be entertained in a holy vessel. Again, only you can discern what went on in you during that time of rejection of the Christ-centred life. And if you had struggles, indeed it was the Lord alerting you, calling & drawing you back to Himself. Maybe it was the coma itself that the Lord used to finally 'shake' you out of sin & complacency & you're now on the road to faithful godly living & real joy & peace in the spirit as you serve Him. Luke 15:10 & Hebrews 12:2.
I can't imagine those that don't seek the lord what they truly are missing, the peace of the lord is joyous. I am glad you are saved as the Lord says
Seek and yeah shah find. Your life will continue to be more peaceful in harmony and love as you search his word set yourself approved you can know that the Lord will be your guide .
My apologies to you. You were describing a person who is saved, gets into sin, and comes back, not necessarily referring to yourself. Please accept my apology for thinking you were referring to your own walk.
I came back to living for the Lord because, I knew what I had done was wrong, and no way did I want to live any longer in my sinful ways. Praise God He gave me another chance by bringing me out of my coma a new woman. I completely agree we are saved by Gods Grace. So I know if we truly love God as I do, we choose to lead our lives in His will only. Resisting Satan, and by taking time for others, reading Gods word daily, and by praying about everything. My greatest joy is attending Church, and giving God Praise, and by glorifying Him. I know by my doing so will help me show Christs love to others. It also helps me be the witness God the Father would have me to be. After all Christ sacrificed His life for me as well as all of us who will receive Him as their Lord & Savior. Praise the Lord! Jesus lives forever! As Christians we know we can all can have eternal everlasting life by choosing a committed life living for Him. God Bless you for sharing with me! Joan
A person who's been born of God's Spirit has become a new creation in Christ. That person now has a new nature because God's Spirit living inside is pure and holy. God's Spirit convicts a saved person when they sin, therefore a saved person cannot go back to the sinful lifestyle and sinful nature they once had without any conviction in their heart.
You mention that you were saved, got caught up in sin, but then came back. If I may ask you, why did you come back? My guess would be that if you were truly saved, meaning you were born of the Spirit of Christ, that it was His Spirit that brought conviction to your heart and that's why you came back.
That happens to every true believer that gets caught up with sin. God will deal with every believer that goes astray and gets involved with sin. The bible tells us in Hebrews Chapter 12 that Christ disciplines and chastens those who belong to Him. And He does so out of love. He will never allow one of His sheep to go astray. If a person's not under the discipline of the Lord, they don't belong to Him. They have an illegitimate claim to belong to Christ!
So, "How do we know once we are saved that we are forever saved?" The answer would be who are you trusting when it comes to your salvation? Are you trusting in the one who says He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you, the one who says you are being kept by His power? Or are you trusting in yourself to keep yourself saved?
God gives eternal life. If there is a way we can lose our salvation, then it is not eternal. Please know that the entire salvation process is all of God. Man cannot save himself, and man cannot keep himself saved. If it wasn't for God and His power to keep us saved, we would have no hope!
There's nothing in scripture that says a person can lose their salvation. If you're saved now, you will remain saved by the mighty hand and power of God. Of all that belong to Him, He says He will not lose one. If that's not assurance, I'm not sure what is!
I choose my life to live completely for Christ Jesus and thank you for helping me understand my question. I will be reading those Bible verses today. I pray God will bless you in all you do! Your Sister in Christ Jesus. Joan
I think only a minority of Christians believe once saved, always saved, because the Bible doesn't support that idea. Most people would agree that Hitler probably won't be in heaven, despite going to church when young and possibly identifying as a Christian at one point. Judas was a Christian (a literal Christ follower) and betrayed Him in a huge way, and it's my personal belief that he is not saved. There's countless examples of Christians who unfortunately have turned their back on Jesus and started following the ways of the world or the devil himself. Jesus warned His followers to obey and fear God and avoid sin and obey. People today are making claims that you don't have to do anything at all. I believe God is a fair judge.
This doesn't mean we're saved by effort, it's grace. But Jesus clearly said if you love Him then obey. Christianity is an action requiring effort. Those who are genuine Christians following Christ will be saved, those who aren't are in danger of not being saved. I believe Bible backs this up very well. Plus, one can have assurance of salvation, but no one is actually saved until judgment day. So, people that claim they're saved, and can enjoy sin and doing evil 24/7 are mistaken. That idea only comes from satan. They will call out Lord, Lord and Jesus will not know him, just as the Bible says. Jesus said most people won't go to heaven- narrow is the way. Some accuse others of being legalistic, but they'd probably accuse Jesus of that too: John 14:15.
Just a few relevant verses...
Hebrews 10:26
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 12:31-32.
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
How do we know once we are saved that we are forever saved? I ask this because, if in our past after receiving salvation we were a good Christian for a while, yet this changed to a sinful nature. Then finally after several years, it is changed back into doing Gods will, and choosing to live for Him completely because, we realized our mistakes. What if during those years when we were not living for Jesus we were to have died. Would we still have gone to Heaven? Where does the Bible say once saved always saved? Is it only in John 3:16? I was reading where a man got on a bad road after being saved he got into drugs, immoral acts, and such. He died and saw he was in hell. He cried out to Jesus and was brought back to life. He then turned his life into a life of ministry. So, my question is this! Was this something perhaps God did to wake this saved man up, and place him back into His will by letting him get a glimpse of hell? I am now unsure since I use to do bad things after I was saved, and almost died in a coma would I have gone to hell if I had not lived? I simply want to know how we know for certainty we definitely are saved. Thank you, and God Bless!
how many times did JESUS go to Jerusalem specifically for Passover? i only see once; and yet all men are called to attend 3 feasts in Jerusalem annually. It seems HE only preached for a year and a bit?
This is a Bible forum ,why am i hearing about politics ,its unacceptable to me . How about i tell you all about my stamp collecting ? Or my holidays last year ? No ? I thought not . No politics please .
This shows how what we hear is colored by what we think we know to the point it twists what is said into a falsehood. This is how witnesses at the trial spoke as they did, saying Jesus said He would destroy the (temporal) temple and rebuild it in 3 days. This same way of hearing is destroying an entire nation because people are doing the same with the words of our former president to fit their narrative.
I believe that Mary, being a devout believer, knew Isaiah 25 and saw the implications of that prophecy in the lack of wine at the wedding in Cana. Notice she did not ask Jesus to do anything, just called his attention to the symbolism. She did not demand He do something. I believe his response was not rude but confirmation to her of who he was, using the term Woman. If one can see it as an authoritative statement not an insult. When he says "Mine hour is not yet come", it appears He is not talking about His ministry, but His death, again confirming who He is. This seemed to prompt Mary into action, recognizing the manifestation of the scripture through his words. He satisfied the need as it fits the prophecy of Isaiah 25, a very recognizable prophecy of who He was. He would again refer to her as Woman at the Cross. Again, authoritative, not rude.
Whatever he tells you to do, do it! jesus won't tell us to do anything wrong. whatever it is you can be sure you will benefit from it! it will be for our good and his glory! and it will surely help someone else, either then or in the future. and yes, this is what the church should be doing, whatever jesus tells us to do.
Thank you heartily for a very mature response which shows some spiritual common sense. It is not something seen very often on these kinds of discussion forums. It is like a breath of fresh-air; and I appreciate your time and effort to type it up.
You ppl that gag at three are gonna be sick when ya have to swollow a million as God ALMIGHTY SWORE by his very self that CHRIST is gonna be multiply as the Stars of heaven, Thats y Jesus is saying to whom the WORD that heavenly seed came it made them Gods plural and the scripture cannot be broken. Now unto Abraham and his seed was the PROMISE made but he says not unto seeds plural ( natural israel ) but unto 1 seed which is CHRIST , THE ISRAEL OF GOD, THUS ITS CHRIST THAT IS GONNA BE MULTIPLIED AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN. This cannot be refuted as it was God almighty that made this PROMISE,when he swore by himself. After Abraham offered up issac a type of Christ the Child of PROMISE. thats y Jesus is saying that which is born of the SPIRIT IS SPIRIT which is the birth of the H.G. GODS GRANSON. Which is the H.G. that is SPIRIT. The Israel of GOD. Remember it was ABRAHAM'S GRANSON JACOB whos NAME was changed to Israel impling the H.G the 3 rd person is the Israel of GOD. Remember it was Solomon the 3 rd person Jesse's Granson that God wanted to build the great Temple not david the son but SOLOMON th granson which means comforter th H.G. that is gonna build the temple in our bodies, abide in me and i in you, now its our bodies that is his Temple, but the H.G. is a greater then Solomon he builds a greater temple then Solomon with in us as that good seed THE SEED OF GOD is sown in our hearts. Initiating a birth of Christ/God in us. Thus do not gag at three as Christ as gona be multiplied as the Stars of Heaven.Abraham can you count the stars so shall thy seed be. which is the seed of CHRIST The words of God, the new covenant th book in the right hand of the father, I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven .gbu
I do not call myself a "Trinitarian" as that seems to be a label. I do believe in God the Father, the Son(Jesus Christ), and the Holy Ghost. As these three are One. I also do not say "Jesus is God" which to me seems to be over simplified. I actually would agree with exactly how you said as "God dwelled in Him". Or God was "in" Him and He in the Father just as Jesus states. Jesus Christ being the Messiah sent by our Father in Heaven. He is the most unique, special, marvelous person to have ever walked this earth. Our Lord and Savior. None of us know everything about Him. One day we will be with Him, and our Father, in the Kingdom and we will be able to ask Him any question we ever will have. He will have the answer for us. God Bless you brother.
Christian love to all the brothers and sisters in Christ
This chapter raises another question which Trinitarians cannot answer.
In God's temple you had the holy place which only the priests could enter, and the holiest of holies which only the high priest could enter once a year. But that temple was not considered to be God. Rather God had His presence IN the holiest of holies. Not the skins or the curtains or the stones or the ark but simply indwelling that space. But now Trinitarians say that Jesus the physical man IS God.
Question: why was the temple not seen as God if we are to believe that Jesus the physical man is to be seen as God? Why is the foreshadowing wrong? Why is God misleading us as to how He has His presence?
Correct answer: the physical Jesus was not God. God dwelled in him. Just as the physical temple was not God. God dwelled in it. Thus the foreshadowing is correct. Thus God has lead us correctly to understanding how He has His presence.
And for that we thank our Father and bless His holy name. Hallelujah!
Please consider these things carefully my Trinitarian siblings, is my humble request.
Since we're not given a whole lot of details to work on, that phrase, "mine hour is not yet come" could be Jesus' declaration that the correct time for the revelation of His Person, Ministry & Purpose in man's redemption had not yet arrived. His Mother would have known that the Divine Seed that was implanted in her about 31 years ago, was now standing in the midst of this marriage ceremony & well able to perform the works of God. And in this hour of need at the ceremony, what a great time it would be to show the people Who Jesus really is as well as help the marriage hosts out. "Killing two birds with one stone" is often a human inclination done because of having a narrow perspective. But Jesus retorted, that the appointed time had not come, but for the sake of his Mother's request (& maybe, her pleas), Jesus consented to her wish.
I see this event as both Jesus' acknowledgement of his familial position as a son before his Mother as well as being directed by His Heavenly Father for the planned revelation of His Son to Israel. All that the Father has purposed for His Son (& for each one of us) fits perfectly into His timeline & order, so even though "His hour (of revelation) had not yet come", this 'first' miracle at this particular time would not necessarily throw the Divine timing out, rather, brought it forward a notch with the other events that showed the divinity of Jesus naturally following on according to that Plan.
But you are in conflict & despair as to what would have happened if you died whilst in a comatose state & were living in sin. This is a question no one here can answer, as salvation is "of the Lord" & is personal between Him (His Spirit) & you. Each person's state is only known by God, & what He does to bring a sinning Christian back to Himself, cannot be known by us. What concerned me was what you said, "if in our past after receiving salvation we were a good Christian for a while, yet this changed to a sinful nature." Again, only the Lord & you would know what took place at the time of salvation. When you heard the Gospel, when you responded to it, how you were taught in the Word, how you responded to the Holy Spirit's Work in you, are some questions only you can answer. If your salvation wasn't real at that time (i.e. without conviction of sin & your estrangement from God) or maybe you heard the Gospel in an incorrect/incomplete way, then when looking back at the attractions of the world & to fulfil your desires would be easy to do, without any sense of guilt or wrongdoing.
But if you were saved at that time, the Holy Spirit wouldn't let you go - every thought, every act or desire of yours would bring about conviction because sin cannot be entertained in a holy vessel. Again, only you can discern what went on in you during that time of rejection of the Christ-centred life. And if you had struggles, indeed it was the Lord alerting you, calling & drawing you back to Himself. Maybe it was the coma itself that the Lord used to finally 'shake' you out of sin & complacency & you're now on the road to faithful godly living & real joy & peace in the spirit as you serve Him. Luke 15:10 & Hebrews 12:2.
Seek and yeah shah find. Your life will continue to be more peaceful in harmony and love as you search his word set yourself approved you can know that the Lord will be your guide .
Thru all tribulations you truly will have peace.
He's out strength. Amen
My apologies to you. You were describing a person who is saved, gets into sin, and comes back, not necessarily referring to yourself. Please accept my apology for thinking you were referring to your own walk.
A person who's been born of God's Spirit has become a new creation in Christ. That person now has a new nature because God's Spirit living inside is pure and holy. God's Spirit convicts a saved person when they sin, therefore a saved person cannot go back to the sinful lifestyle and sinful nature they once had without any conviction in their heart.
You mention that you were saved, got caught up in sin, but then came back. If I may ask you, why did you come back? My guess would be that if you were truly saved, meaning you were born of the Spirit of Christ, that it was His Spirit that brought conviction to your heart and that's why you came back.
That happens to every true believer that gets caught up with sin. God will deal with every believer that goes astray and gets involved with sin. The bible tells us in Hebrews Chapter 12 that Christ disciplines and chastens those who belong to Him. And He does so out of love. He will never allow one of His sheep to go astray. If a person's not under the discipline of the Lord, they don't belong to Him. They have an illegitimate claim to belong to Christ!
So, "How do we know once we are saved that we are forever saved?" The answer would be who are you trusting when it comes to your salvation? Are you trusting in the one who says He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you, the one who says you are being kept by His power? Or are you trusting in yourself to keep yourself saved?
God gives eternal life. If there is a way we can lose our salvation, then it is not eternal. Please know that the entire salvation process is all of God. Man cannot save himself, and man cannot keep himself saved. If it wasn't for God and His power to keep us saved, we would have no hope!
There's nothing in scripture that says a person can lose their salvation. If you're saved now, you will remain saved by the mighty hand and power of God. Of all that belong to Him, He says He will not lose one. If that's not assurance, I'm not sure what is!
I think only a minority of Christians believe once saved, always saved, because the Bible doesn't support that idea. Most people would agree that Hitler probably won't be in heaven, despite going to church when young and possibly identifying as a Christian at one point. Judas was a Christian (a literal Christ follower) and betrayed Him in a huge way, and it's my personal belief that he is not saved. There's countless examples of Christians who unfortunately have turned their back on Jesus and started following the ways of the world or the devil himself. Jesus warned His followers to obey and fear God and avoid sin and obey. People today are making claims that you don't have to do anything at all. I believe God is a fair judge.
This doesn't mean we're saved by effort, it's grace. But Jesus clearly said if you love Him then obey. Christianity is an action requiring effort. Those who are genuine Christians following Christ will be saved, those who aren't are in danger of not being saved. I believe Bible backs this up very well. Plus, one can have assurance of salvation, but no one is actually saved until judgment day. So, people that claim they're saved, and can enjoy sin and doing evil 24/7 are mistaken. That idea only comes from satan. They will call out Lord, Lord and Jesus will not know him, just as the Bible says. Jesus said most people won't go to heaven- narrow is the way. Some accuse others of being legalistic, but they'd probably accuse Jesus of that too: John 14:15.
Just a few relevant verses...
Hebrews 10:26
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 12:31-32.
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Corinthians 13:8 is where it is written. Corinthians 13 is a great chapter on love/charity.
God Bless.
john1-1. john 1-14 and the wod was made flesh and dwelt among us.
hell awaits those on these comments who deny the deity of jesus christ.
isaiah 9-6, isaiah7-14, john8-58,john14-6, col2-9, rev22-13. repent of your
foolish false doctrine.
Thank you heartily for a very mature response which shows some spiritual common sense. It is not something seen very often on these kinds of discussion forums. It is like a breath of fresh-air; and I appreciate your time and effort to type it up.
Love in the Lord of all, Jesus Christ
I do not call myself a "Trinitarian" as that seems to be a label. I do believe in God the Father, the Son(Jesus Christ), and the Holy Ghost. As these three are One. I also do not say "Jesus is God" which to me seems to be over simplified. I actually would agree with exactly how you said as "God dwelled in Him". Or God was "in" Him and He in the Father just as Jesus states. Jesus Christ being the Messiah sent by our Father in Heaven. He is the most unique, special, marvelous person to have ever walked this earth. Our Lord and Savior. None of us know everything about Him. One day we will be with Him, and our Father, in the Kingdom and we will be able to ask Him any question we ever will have. He will have the answer for us. God Bless you brother.
This chapter raises another question which Trinitarians cannot answer.
In God's temple you had the holy place which only the priests could enter, and the holiest of holies which only the high priest could enter once a year. But that temple was not considered to be God. Rather God had His presence IN the holiest of holies. Not the skins or the curtains or the stones or the ark but simply indwelling that space. But now Trinitarians say that Jesus the physical man IS God.
Question: why was the temple not seen as God if we are to believe that Jesus the physical man is to be seen as God? Why is the foreshadowing wrong? Why is God misleading us as to how He has His presence?
Correct answer: the physical Jesus was not God. God dwelled in him. Just as the physical temple was not God. God dwelled in it. Thus the foreshadowing is correct. Thus God has lead us correctly to understanding how He has His presence.
And for that we thank our Father and bless His holy name. Hallelujah!
Please consider these things carefully my Trinitarian siblings, is my humble request.
Peace and love in Christ
I see this event as both Jesus' acknowledgement of his familial position as a son before his Mother as well as being directed by His Heavenly Father for the planned revelation of His Son to Israel. All that the Father has purposed for His Son (& for each one of us) fits perfectly into His timeline & order, so even though "His hour (of revelation) had not yet come", this 'first' miracle at this particular time would not necessarily throw the Divine timing out, rather, brought it forward a notch with the other events that showed the divinity of Jesus naturally following on according to that Plan.