We are Christ's as long as He is ours. By now you are asking, "What about the assurance scriptures?" There are numerous portions of solid assurance scriptures, to list a few: John 5:24; 6:37-40; 10:27-30; 17:12; Romans 8:16,29-30,38-39; 1 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:5,11,30; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 6:19; 10:22; 1 John 2:19; 3:14,19,22; 4:13; 5:13, Psalms 4:3; and 46:1-3. First of all, I don't dispute any of these passages, I only doubt the interpretation and the application by the eternalist as they relate them to the warning scriptures. There is nothing in all those scriptures that says we cannot "turn away." They are expressing the intent of God's desire and not an absolute rock hard law. Contrary to what some popular teachers (past and present) are teaching, Christians are the only ones that can apostatize because you can't turn away from something you've never been to. The proof is in all the warning scriptures, most of which are directed at true believers.

The Scofield Reference Bible has a note on the use of “IF.” Exodus 19:5 says, "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:" Scofield's note says, "......What, under law, was condition, is under grace, freely given to every believer. The "if" of vs. 5 is the essence of law as a method of divine dealing, and the fundamental reason why "the law made nothing perfect" (Rom. 8.3; Heb. 7.18,19). The Abrahamic (Gen. 15.18, note) and new (Heb. 8. 8-12, note) covenants minister salvation and assurance because they impose but one condition, faith." He (Scofield) includes the IF, but ignores the word KEEP. The same restrictions apply to us today, we must keep the faith. See Ezekiel 18:24.

I find it a little mind boggling how teachers of the word of God can overlook all the "Ifs," i.e., "turning away," "fall," "falling away," "fall short," "do not endure," "do not abide," "not continuing," etc., yet still think those scriptures pertain to the people that were "never saved in the first place," which, by the way, are the eternalist's key words. By saying this, they deny the simplicity of salvation and the grace of God, Romans 10:9-10. They make salvation not only very hard to attain, but who can know if they will be going to heaven, except they wake up and find themselves there. For instance, the tribulation saints that are required to lose their heads for the witness of Jesus (Revelation 20:4); what would happen to them if they were to wear the "mark" of the beast? Revelation 14:11 gives the answer. Romans 10:13 is changed from "whosoever will" to "whosoever made it." When we are born again, we don't automatically arrive at the full seat of knowledge. We are babes in the Lord and are in great need of nurturing and should be admonished to practice 1 John 1:9 so the fellowship with God can continue.

The eternalist quotes 1 Corinthians 11:28-32 as God's "out" for killing sinning saints and making sure that they get to heaven. That scripture was given as a warning to the Corinthians concerning abuses at the Lord's Supper. If the rebuke for improper use of the Lord's supper is that strong, what will happen to those believers who fail to heed the warnings about turning away, pride, immoral living and all the rest?

Once again, most of the warnings quoted are to believers (and I only list the more prominent scriptures, however, there are many more), otherwise why should God warn someone so much about something that can't happen? What I am bringing out is, the consistently overlooked scriptural warnings to believers because in our churches and reading material, we are not taught these verses over and over, as we are the assurance scriptures, and that is where the danger lies. We must look at warnings as part of the complete package of success required in following God. Most are hearing and not comprehending what happens if we let leaven into our lives. I believe the "once saved always saved" doctrine is helping to make careless and carnal Christians. I also believe knowing we can turn away will make us more humble and cautious in our walk with God. Those who practice the "once saved always saved" doctrine and ignore the warnings show lack of contact with the Holy Spirit, and reliance on man being their teacher instead.

All I ask you to do is listen to what the following scriptures are saying. With the Holy Spirit, "you need not that any man teach you," 1 John 2:27.

Genesis 8:18 And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him:
Would Noah and his family have been saved if they refused to go into the ark? They surely knew God, but in this case they had to be obedient.

Genesis 19:24 Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven;
What would have happened to Lot, his wife and his two daughters had they not left the city as the angels told them to. God took the time to offer them salvation, but if they stayed, they too would have been destroyed. We have free will.

Genesis 25:30-34

30. And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33. And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

I think this little story illustrates a very important principle. Are we going to sell our (born again) birthright of salvation for the cares of this world? God knew Esau would, and therefore predestined Jacob to the greater glory. In the ONCE SAVED connection, I would like to point out Esau's unavailing remorse at the loss of the blessing and his earlier uncaring attitude about his birthright. It must have been a very touching and sad scene. (See Heb. 12:16-17.)
If we make a bed, we have to lay in it. Even though we are a child of God, we can still get caught up in the "things" of this life. Those things can be a big stumbling block to us in everyday life and eternal blessings. Our carnality can set us up for a fall from grace. Maybe I should say "a turning away" because God never says, whoops. It is something we are in control of, in terms of our walk with the Lord. I believe the carnal life will lead to tribulations and/or the actual tribulation, and in so going through; if you deny Him, He will deny you. I hope that the many warnings in the Bible will show the dangers of backsliding.

Genesis 27:34-36

34. And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father. 35. And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing. 36. And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?
All the weeping in the world wasn't going to replace Esau's loss. We will experience the same type of grief concerning blessings lost because of following the flesh.

Exodus 12:21-23

21. Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the Passover. 22. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. 23. For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

I think this is a striking illustration to the importance of "staying under the blood," through 1 John 1:9. It is something we physically have to do for our spiritual health. 

Concerning verse (22), what would happen to the person going outside the door before morning?

Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

Here is the first "if" of several more to come. "If ye obey my voice..." To a large degree they didn't and suffered. They, even today, are still His "peculiar treasure." The important thing to remember is that a lot of them were lost along the way. Not lost in the sense of "whoops" but stepped away from the safety of the ark, as an example.

Exodus 32:32-33

32. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 33. And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

I don't think anybody of any dispensation should overlook the importance of, "blotting out" from the book. This seems to tell me that those capable of being blotted out of the book had to be in there. See other instances of blotting: Deut. 9:14; Psa. 69:28; Rev. 3:5.

Leviticus 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

Scofield has a good note in connection with this verse. "Strange fire. Fire "from before the Lord" had kindled upon the altar of burnt offering, the fire which the care of the priests was to keep burning (Lev. 6:12). No commandment had yet been given (Lev. 16:12) how the incense should be kindled. The sin of Nadab and Abihu was in acting in the things of God without seeking the mind of God. It was "will worship" (Col. 2:23), which often had a show of "wisdom and humility." It typifies any use of carnal means to kindle the fire of devotion and praise."

Numbers 15:27-31

27. And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering. 28. And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the Lord, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him. 29. Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. 30. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 31. Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

Why, even in having Christ, would it be any different today? Why would anybody think that God would put up with deliberate sin? When we sin, we have to come to Him (like in 1 John 1:9) through Christ, and ask forgiveness. If we are using Christ as an avenue to sin, how dare we think we are saved? That person, even though he came to Christ at one time, has lost sight of the Master and will suffer great loss.

I think vs. 30 also applies to us today. God will seek to turn us around (because He is long suffering) but Matthew 18:12-14 teaches (through "if so be that He finds it") that the ending may not be so happy. It is dependent upon our repentence and not His grabbing us by the scruff of the neck and dragging us back to the fold. We have to be like the prodigal son and have a change of heart.

Deuteronomy, chapter 4 contains lots of good examples of what was mentioned above. Please pay particular attention to vs. (30). It ties the Old and New Testaments together in the scope of their true meaning and application. I would recommend you read the whole chapter, but for the time and space requirements I will put in what I feel most pertains to the subject.

Deuteronomy 4:1-4,9,30

1. Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. 2. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. 3. Your eyes have seen what the Lord did because of Baal-peor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the Lord thy God hath destroyed them from among you. 4. But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day. 9. Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; 30. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

I included verse 2 because it says the same thing Rev. 22:18-19 says, further tying the Old Testament and the New Testament together. These, with the use of underlining, will be pretty much self-explanatory.

Verse 9 ties in very well with the upcoming New Testament warnings. Please understand, that even though these were written to Israel, they apply to us today.

These verses all point to the fact that you will be severely chastised if you turn away from the Lord. The important thing is not only coming to the Lord, but staying through obedience, which is NOT a work; it is a state of being. It's not only a matter of saved or unsaved, but WALKING. Notice in verse 30 that these warnings are extended into the New Testament age. Are we not dealing with the God that is the same yesterday, today and forever? We do the scriptures a great disservice when we ignore these Old Testament warnings and say, we are covered by the blood of Christ. We are still responsible for our daily walk.

Deuteronomy 7:9-10

9. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; 10. And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

"To them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations;" ties this Old Testament scripture with today.

Deuteronomy 28:60 Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee.

This does not speak of losing one's salvation, but it shows what happens to those nations and peoples that are living away from God. If, in turn, the disease causes you to "blame" God and you curse Him for your sin, then I would suspect you could be on your way to hell; (eternal separation). (See: Deut. 28:27-28; Joshua 22:5; 24:19-20.)

Deuteronomy 29:20 The Lord will not spare him, but then the anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven. (See Cursed.)

I think the word blot out means just what it says, and there is no difference between salvation with God from Old Testament to New Testament. It's all based on true righteousness and our walk.

There is an interesting note in the Amplified Bible I would like to pass along: "The informed reader scarcely needs to be reminded of how literally fulfilled have been many of these predictions of evil made against the chosen people because of their idolatry and rebellion against God. Such verses as 25, 32, 33, 36, 38, 41, and 53, foretell historical facts now recorded in Jewish history both sacred and secular. Here verse 62 foretells how the Jewish race "has been thinned, and kept down, again and again.""

Joshua 22:5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

This is a good example of walk vs. work. The walk is a part of your life that flows from the heart. Work is something you do to get something you may or may not deserve.

Joshua 24:19-20

19. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the Lord: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. 20. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.

This tells us we can know God and be known of Him and be partaking in His blessings or fall short of the mark. That falling short is because of us, not Him. If verse 19 were the end of it, it would be a sad thing. Verse 20 is the warning to all those that would leave the Lord to serve other gods. It is no different today. If you turn away you will be judged and stand in jeopardy.

2 Samuel 7:14-15

14. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15. But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.

This (vs. 15) is the heart and soul of the Old Testament "eternal security" scriptures and should set us up for understanding the New Testament scriptures and the fact that we Christians cannot claim them if we are sinning and not repenting of those sins. When God "took it from Saul," it was because he was not as sorry for his sin as he was for the loss of his office. God knew David's heart and that he really was sorry for his sin. Let us also remember that the result of David's sin followed him for the rest of his life even though he was forgiven of them and God spared his life. 2 Samuel 12:13, (God put away David's sin so he wouldn't die) is similar to 2 Samuel 7:15 because David truly repented of that sin but because God was not done with David because of their covenant and the future of the coming kingdom. By the same token God could have destroyed Israel and started a new covenant with Moses but didn't because of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

That trust is not a onetime thing, it is a life long commitment from the heart. It doesn't mean you won't stumble; that's why we have 1 John 1:9.

1 Kings 2:3-4

3. And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: 4. That the Lord may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

Today we may not be obligated to "keep the law" but we are obligated to do the above things that are written in the law. And if you won't, don't blame God when going through this life you are taking two steps forward and three back. This applies to the king and the man in the streets. The people's failing, will most certainly cause the downfall of a king because they get the government they deserve. It actually works both ways. The leadership of a nation can inspire bad behavior on the part of the people.

2 Kings 21:8 Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out of the land which I gave their fathers; only if they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them.

We are not under the law today, but the all important thing for a Christian to do, is to be obedient. Please notice the Old Testament "IF" they will observe.

1 Chronicles 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

I will quote another note from the Amplified Bible: "God's promises to men invariably are dependent upon the other party to the covenant meeting His conditions, whether He says so at the time or not. In verse 7 we find Him promising to establish Solomon’s kingdom for ever. Yet in 1 Kings 11:9-11, we find that God became angry with Solomon for all his later degenerate and abominable conduct and his treachery of heart toward Him, and without mercy, except for David's sake, God declared the kingdom would be torn from him. Was God breaking His covenant with Solomon? No, Solomon had broken and nullified that covenant long before; it no longer existed. There was now no promise for God to keep. Christians are prone to think that God will keep His part of the bargain whether they do or not, but the wisest man who ever lived died knowing that God is not mocked; "he inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God. For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap." (Gal. 6:7.) "If you seek Him - inquiring for and of Him, and requiring Him as your first and vital necessity - you will find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever!" David was telling Solomon all this, but as the new king grew in power, popularity, and personal aggrandizement, step by step he set himself up as privileged to ignore God. In all his wisdom he failed to comprehend that, something greater, and more exalted and more majestic than the temple is here! "...Something more and greater than Solomon is here" (Matt. 12:6, 42)."

What a powerful truth. Solomon didn't go to hell, but if he had not repented he could have. If he got all huffy with God and told Him to beg off, he probably would have. When we turn away, we are breaking that covenant and counting the blood of Christ as nothing.

2 Chronicles 15:2 And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; the Lord is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you; but if ye forsake him He will forsake you.

This verse fits in with the last one very well.

2 Chronicles 30:9 For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.

If ye return unto him. If you turn away there is nothing but trouble. The New Testament scriptures will say the same thing.

Psalms 25:10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Notice this does not stress accept, but keep His covenant.

Psalms 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

I'll reserve comment until Psalms 51:11. This should be tied to 1 John 1:9.

Psalms 37:23-24,28

23. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. 24. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. 28. For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

God is long suffering and patient, and this is what I would call classic "eternal security" scripture. These three verses are a sample of the covenant that the note from the Amplified Bible (quoted above) was talking about with Solomon. There is nothing but blessing coming to the righteous man...unless he turns away and stays. All heavily quoted eternal security scriptures that are spoon fed to church members on a regular basis, have to be tempered by the much more unquoted warnings.

Psalms 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

If David said it, it must be possible. The sins he committed were worthy of separation from God. The big difference is, he repented. What he is describing there, is a person that is cursed. If we sin, without repentance, we put ourselves under a curse. Sin upon sin, curse upon curse. (See: CURSED.)

When Jesus said, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me," Matt. 27:46, you can get an idea of what David was talking about when cast out of God's presence. Whether it is the actual Holy Spirit or the joy of His presence, taking him away will leave you empty and depressed and in danger of doing something foolish. Just ask King Saul.

Psalms 89:38-39

38. But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed. 39. Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.

Here is another one that talks about the covenant being broken.

Psalms 125:3-5

3. For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. 4. Do good, O Lord, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. 5. As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.

There are those who choose the crooked way by becoming the servant of sin. Also notice that the ones that turn aside shall be led "forth with the workers of iniquity."

Proverbs 21:12,16

12. The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. 16. The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

Why (vs. 12) should the righteous pay any attention to the wicked? It is because He will deal even more harshly with His own children if they "turn away." The Old Testament and the New Testament both say the same thing.

We always tend to think the wicked is the "other guy." David and Solomon both slipped into that category because of carelessness, or as Luke 21:34 says, "the cares of this life." The word wandereth (vs. 16) in the Hebrew means to vacillate, reel or stray.

Isaiah 55:6-7

6. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

I think these are a couple more scriptures relegated to the "never saved in the first place" category. Verse 6 says to call upon Him while He is near. Repent often and as soon as you realize you sin. The more you sin and don't repent, the further the Lord will move away.

Jeremiah 17:13 O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters.

What's the difference if you reject God then or Jesus now? If you, like the angels, once knew Him and forsook Him, you can count on being cast into outer darkness if left unrepented.

Ezekiel 3:20-21

20. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 21. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

The people in these verses aren't strangers to God. Also notice that we are our brother’s keeper and there is a penalty for ducking that responsibility.

Ezekiel 18:24,26-28

24. But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. 26. When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. 27. Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 28. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

This kind of ties in to the lost sheep of the New Testament, see Matthew 18. Ezekiel 33:8-43 is more of what we just came through - the righteous turning away and the unrighteous returning. I can’t stress enough that the righteous cannot be referring to the unsaved, and for that matter, the unrighteous does not mean someone that has never been saved; these terms can also refer to people turning away from God.

Zephaniah 2:3 Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.

I think Luke had this one in mind when he wrote Lk. 21:36. Also please notice the word hid. In the Hebrew it means: to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively: It means to be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, X surely.

I think this also refers to the fact that there is no post-tribulation rapture. (See: Is There a Pretribulation Rapture?)

Malachi 3:16-17

16. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. 17. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
This is a "Blessed Hope" scripture.

Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under the foot of men.

Who is ye? I believe this refers to the true followers of God. Salt is a preservative; therefore, the salt of the earth saves the world from destruction. But if the salt has lost its savour, it is good for nothing, but to be cast out under foot of man, and whatever else he may do to it.

This does not say a person cast out will go to hell, but I don't see how any rational believer expects to be a part of 1 Thessalonians 4:12-18, commonly referred to as the rapture of the church, if they have degenerated into a saltless state. To be cast out and trodden under the foot of man somehow doesn't seem to show God's protective quality concerning those that are following Him.

To be in a savourless condition opens a true believer up to divine chastisement. Luke 21:34-36 describes several acts of savourless salt that bring about a dire warning that you may have to go through the furnace of affliction; which, concerning those in the future, could mean going through the great tribulation (I call it entering heaven through the back door). If, as the eternalist believes, the church going through the tribulation is impossible, then why should God even put warnings in the Bible at all? When a believer is told in Luke 21:36, "watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man," how can he or she simply dismiss this passage by saying, "If you’re worthy you are saved, and if you are saved, you are worthy?" This thought can't be true because of the preceding words, "watch ye therefore and pray always;" you pray once for salvation, not always. This passage concerns walking the straight and narrow path, which indicates you can't walk a sloppy careless journey through life. It requires attention to details; hence James' works. Entering heaven through the back door is dangerous, because as we will see by other scriptures to be discussed, it could cause you to deny Jesus, and if you deny Jesus, He will deny you before God.

Let's not forget the wearing of the "mark of the beast,” Revelation 14:9-12. There are those who say believers won't be here during that period of time, but judging by Luke 21:34-36, Revelation 7:14, and other scriptures, I have my doubts. Anyone wearing the mark of the beast, whether it is a pretribulation saint or a tribulation saint, will be lost. Revelation 14:11 To further prove the point: how is a tribulation saint any different from the pre-tribulation saint? Is the tribulation saint any less, or does his salvation differ from that of his brother over 1900 years ago? I realize there are those who say the tribulation saints, mentioned in Revelation, are the ones saved during the tribulation; but I think Luke 21:34-36 and the other warning scriptures indicate that there are those who need the cleansing of the furnace of affliction, which melts off the dross of carnality to reveal pure gold and silver.

The very term, "lost his savour,” indicates a big step down in position from God, and if left unregenerated through repentance, most certainly will come to a bad end. You must get back under God's grace by the application of 1 John 1:9. Jesus' blood was not shed in vain. As Paul says in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God." This in no way conflicts with James 2:20, "without works faith is dead." James has more to say on this subject that we will cover later.

Matthew 5:20-22,27-30

20. For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. 21. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not kill: and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22. But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say unto his brother, raca, shall be in danger of council: but whosoever shall say, thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 27. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not commit adultery: 28. But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29. And if thy right eye offends thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30. And if thy right hand offends thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Jesus was speaking to His disciples, whether twelve or twelve hundred, it doesn’t matter. He was speaking to them as though they were his followers; also, you don't call a group of unrepentant sinners the salt of the earth (vs.13.) If the people he was talking to didn’t have the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees they weren't going to enter the kingdom of heaven. Does righteousness get you to heaven, or does salvation? If these verses can be applied to the whole world then they most certainly apply to the followers of Jesus. Please pay attention to what it says in verse 22: "If you call a brother a fool, you are in danger of hell fire." The sinner is on his way to hell already so this can't apply to him. Does this mean that the blood of Jesus doesn't cover us? Not at all; the blood of Jesus covers us from ignorance or accidental sin as in moments of weakness and not continuous habitual sin. We have a responsibility to obey what we know to be right. It should be pointed out that whether it is unjustified anger with your brother or the sin of adultery, you are in grave danger. Also pay attention to vs. 29-30. "If your eye or hand offends, cast them from you so that the whole body be not cast into hell." Are these just empty words or do they mean what they say? Even though we are believers, are we allowed exemption from doing what is right? Notice in vs. 22 that it says, "shall be in danger of hell fire." The importance of asking forgiveness of God cannot be overstated. Unrepented sin builds a wall between God and us and if it stays in place the end will not be good.

Matthew 7:13-14,21-23

13. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14. because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 21. Not everyone 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 confess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Let's remember that Jesus is still talking to the disciples (Mat. 5:1). Those believers that are living a careless life should take heed to "and few there be that find it." If my theology is correct, none of the unbelievers are going to find their way to life. If believers are caught up in the cares of this life, as mentioned in Luke 21:34-36, they stand in real danger. How many believers do you know that think they are even doing just a few things wrong? If they knew it was wrong they wouldn't be doing it, right?

Those people in vs. 21-23 thought they were believers. Would they have believed you or I if we said they weren’t? What does this mean concerning assurance of salvation? Can we know that we are saved? By all means; all of the assurance scriptures still mean all they ever did. Our salvation is based on the blood of Christ and not anything we can do. We are obligated to walk with Christ and if we don’t continue on with him does it mean that we never came to him in the first place? I don’t think so. People that say, "They were never saved in the first place" are the ones that are promoting the "you can’t know you are saved until judgment," philosophy. They somehow seem to know that the profession of faith was not really a profession accepted by God.

Verses 21-23 should also show the believers that walking with Christ can’t be done in a careless manner. Verses13-14 are exactly why we need and in fact have the warnings.

Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

I realize this mainly refers to the Hebrews, but if we ever turn away from God, we will be in the same spot. Moreover, we would deserve it because Christ was always a stumbling block to them; whereas He was our Savior before we turned away from Him. Moreover, when we speak of the kingdom it is the kingdom that will be in effect at the end of times.

Matthew 10:22,33

22. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

What if some of his disciples do not endure unto the end? According to vs.1 of this chapter, Jesus was talking to the twelve disciples. If you read the whole chapter you have to wonder just how safe his disciples were considering the declarations of the eternal security advocates; note vs. 17,18,22-23,28,39.

The word endure appears several more times in the scriptures from here on out. The question of what happens to those disciples that do not endure unto the end is one the eternalist refuses to address other than to say, "They weren't really saved in the first place." Jesus never said the way would be easy. As you can see by the 10th chapter there would be a lot of physical abuse to the followers of Jesus and he exhorted the twelve then, and us today, to "endure," and in so doing we shall be saved. Regardless of how much we don’t like it, the opposite of being saved is being lost.

Verse 33 - although I believe Jesus was talking to his disciples I think it is safe to assume that any believer who denies Jesus will suffer the consequences of doing so. If the believers could suffer, what about the unbelievers? Considering the whole chapter, I don't think it is correct to say deny is something the masses do by not accepting Jesus. The chapter denotes a walk with God, through thick and thin, good and bad, up and down, continuing with Him.

Matthew 18:12-14

12. How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13. And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

I believe the flock is significant, and we Christians are members of that flock. The fact that there was a certain amount in the flock shows that the unbelieving world is not counted in that number, and therefore could not have gone astray. Verse 14 says it is not the will of God that one of these little ones should perish - only a member can go astray. This does not say that God doesn’t care for the unbelieving world; John 3:16 proves otherwise, " For God so loved the world......"

I think the story of the lost sheep was given to show us how deeply God cares for his followers and to what lengths he will go to bring them home. His rejoicing proves that the sheep that strayed was in real danger. The sheep was not only exposed to attacks from wild animals - which can be compared to false teachers who are out to seduce us away from Christ - he is also exposed to many other elements that can take one’s life. If we are away from Christ and die in an unrepentant condition, only God knows the eternal state of that person. Verse 13 proves there is a point of no return, "And if so be that he find it......" The opposite of being found and rejoiced over, is being lost. Notice it doesn’t say, when he is found there is rejoicing; it is left wide open - IF he is found, there is rejoicing.

Matthew 24:10,13

10. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 13. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Verse 10 represents all the troubles we are going to have on the earth and especially if the church is going through the tribulation, which would be the fiery furnace that will clean off the dross from carnal Christians and verse 13 is the truth we are going to need; he that shall endure unto the end shall be saved. (See: Is There a Pre-tribulation Rapture?)

Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
This is a repeat of the above.

Luke 8:5-15

5. A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit a hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear let him hear. 9. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10. And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 11. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it and bring forth fruit with patience.

Verse 10 says, "Unto you (his disciples, vs. 9) it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God,” but the others (the unsaved) would hear but not understand.

The seeds cast out by the sower could have all grown. The wayside, stony places, and thorns all represent a state of mind and spiritual condition more than a circumstance of life, which is what verse 15 says. The person in verse 6 received the word with joy. The difference between the stony places and the good ground is that those of the good ground kept the word and the others didn't. They apostatized, if you will. To believe otherwise is to believe that God deliberately cast seed on a place that he knew would not grow and would therefore die. If that is true, so much for "whosoever will." God is a God of "judgment" not a God of "cruel hoax." But if in fact He did cast them there on purpose, it was done with the “foreknowledge” of who they were and what they would do with the word of God or should I say, what they wouldn’t do. Those of the way side in verse 12 don’t sound as though they were ever saved; but as for the others, those are the ones that were warned, “...take heed to yourselves, lest at anytime your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares,” Luke 21:34.
Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

This verse can be taken two ways, but it will still point to the truth of Luke 21:34, "cares of this life." If you contemplate Christian service you have to be pretty much God-minded in the first place. Does this verse say that the person wanting to go and bid his house farewell, wasn't saved in the first place; or is it talking about Christian service specifically? You have to be God-minded to even say you want to follow God. Salvation is easy to get, but following God will exact a higher toll.

If you are looking back, longing for the life you left behind, then you most certainly are not fit for the kingdom of God. Remember Lot's wife - she was on her way out of the place of danger - I'm sure all were tempted to look back. Was her downfall due to her temptation or yielding to that temptation? I believe yielding to the temptations are works that we are suppose to avoid. You are saved by faith, not of works. The works that James is talking about go with doing Christian service and abiding.

Luke 10:19-20 19. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20. Notwithstanding in this, rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
The names in heaven will remain unless we remove them by breaking the covenant of Jesus' shed blood.

Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Here in Jesus' own words is the answer. The obvious question is: what happens to those that don't keep it?

Luke 12:40-46

40. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 41. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 42. And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43. Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46. The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

If Peter wasn't sure who Jesus was talking to in vs. 41 why are there so many Bible teachers around who say it was the unsaved? Verses 42 through 44 seem to indicate he was a good servant. In vs. 45 we see what happens if that formerly wise servant "falls away." Verse 47 goes on to say that that servant will be beaten with many stripes. If those stripes are from a whip in the form of punishment, that's one thing; but if that person winds up in the furnace of affliction, as we have seen earlier, that could be quite another. To say you would not deny Him is very easy on this side of persecution. Remember what happened to Peter in Matthew 26:33-35. Notice in vs. 46 where it says, "appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.” This verse seems to back up vs. 42-44 in indicating that the servant was a believer.

Luke 15:11-24,32

11. And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12. And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18. I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19. And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 32. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Here we have a certain man with two sons, and I stress, sons. The younger son, of his "own will," left his fathers house where he was much loved, and wasted his substance on riotous living. When the money ran out, famine was in the land. Verse 17 tells us when he came to himself he remembered that his father's servants had enough to eat. Notice how, in vs. 19 he exhibits true repentance.

I don't think the son was ever far out of his father's mind, but for all he knew, he had lost him forever. The reunion in vs. 20 and the celebration to follow speaks of the father rejoicing much like the sheppard when he found his lost sheep (if so be that he find it, Matt. 18:13) Notice in vs. 32, and pay attention to the words, "It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad; for this thy brother was dead;" was he really dead? Not bodily, but spiritually. "....and was lost, and is found;" did the father lose him? No, the son was lured away by what he thought was the good life. The father could have tied the son to the barn, not that that would have done any good because his heart was set on folly; but he let the son choose for himself. If you are a Christian and are tempted by the cares of this life, you will remain secure as long as you remain with your Heavenly Father, heart and soul. I’m not sure what it means, but when the father divided the son’s portion of goods to him, it has to have some significant meaning.

The son knew the way back to his father's house. You have to remember that all this thinking and the repentance was going on in his mind; there was no one telling him the way to get saved. It says, "when he came to himself;" the unsaved never had a caring father to depart from in the first place.

As mentioned before, the son was considered dead by the father. Let's say the son had died in the pigpen and never came home - there would have been no celebration. There are those that teach that this is a first coming to Jesus, but it can't be because we are obviously not born saved.

Luke 17:1-3,30-32

1. Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come. 2. It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 30. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32. Remember Lot's wife.

Naturally everyone thinks that this is talking about the unsaved sinner but read vs. 1. He was giving this warning to the disciples. What this is really saying is, anyone causing one of these little ones... etc. See Rev. 22:18-19 for a similar situation.

Verses (30-32), Why would this warning be to a bunch of unbelievers? This also brings up a point about the "pre-tribulation rapture." (See: Is There a Pretribulation Rapture?)

Luke 21:34-36

34. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35. For as a snare it shall come upon all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth. 36. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Who is Jesus talking to? His disciples. I would think He would have been wasting His time, saying what He was saying if what He said (34-36) wasn’t what He meant. Even they (the disciples) could have been caught up in verse 34, if they were to stray off the straight and narrow path, so “that day” would catch them unawares. What do you think when you read, “and so that day come upon you unawares.”? (vs. 34) If Christians are not there because of the pre-tribulation rapture, why would Jesus have addressed the disciples in this manner? This relates back to Isaiah’s (Isa. 26:20-21) warning to the people to go into their chambers and shut the doors about themselves, and to hide themselves as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. Which relates back to their early training in Egypt, when Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream in reference to the saving up food for the up-coming famine. If you are going to enter your chambers until the indignation be overpast, then you will need food and supplies to survive in that time. I think Jesus was giving the disciples the same warning. The WORTHY ones will listen and take heed. Please remember that the word ESCAPE in Luke 21:36 means to flee out, not go up. (See: Is There a Pre-Tribulation Rapture?)

Luke 22:3,28-32

3. Then entered Satan into Judas, surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 28. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. 29. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30. That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Notice that Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve but due to him not continuing, or turning back, etc, he was given over to the Devil.

Verses (28-32), Is there any doubt that Jesus was talking to true believers? The word "continued" in vs. 28, we will see again. The warning starts in vs. 31-32. Jesus says he will pray that Peter's faith fails not. Fail, in the Greek means to omit, to cease (die). The word converted in the Greek means to revert, come (go) again, turn about. We will see this word again in James. Considering the magnitude of the scripture thus far, I don't think there is any doubt in what happens if our faith does fail.

Was Peter saved prior to this time or not? If we could not turn away, why would he need to be converted? Remember the earlier warning; if we deny Jesus, He will deny us before God and His angels. We have to remember that Jesus was talking to His disciples when we consider the word deny.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

The true fact as we all know is that we have to come to Jesus first but what isn't mentioned and is clearly important is, we have to continue in that newfound faith.

John 6:60-66

60. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61. When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62. What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63. It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

This is one of many ways of weeding out the chaff from the wheat. God knows those who are His. He knows those who will draw back. He knows what we will do under any given circumstance. That is something we don't even know. Remember Peter's proud proclamation that he would never deny Jesus?

Just because the people didn’t understand what he was saying didn’t mean they had to leave, vs. 66. They could have been like the Syrophenician woman in Mark 7:25-30.
John 8:30-32 30. As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

In vs. 31 notice Jesus said "if" - "IF ye continue in my word, then ye are my disciples indeed." What happens if they don't; they were never saved in the first place? I think these Jews were saved because the word "believed" in vs. 31 is the same word used to describe salvation - to have faith, to entrust.

Salvation is very easy to get, but don't turn away.

John 12:42-43

42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Here is another example using the word believed - to have faith, to entrust, commit; but in this case, they did not confess Him - this, by the very act, is a denial. Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

They obviously could not believe that he was raised from the dead because he had as yet not died. Because of peer pressure they buckled and did not confess Him. This should be a warning to all of us - just how easily salvation can be, not "lost," but forsaken or discarded.

John 13:8,21,24

8. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 21. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 24. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

What would have happened if Peter did not let Jesus wash his feet? Peter, who was truly a disciple, would not have made it. He would have had no part with Jesus. Also notice in vs. 21-24 how they all wondered which one would be the one to betray Jesus. They were Christians, but none would dare say, it won't be me.

John 15:6-8

6. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

The key word here is abide. Not to mention, if. Once again Jesus is talking to His disciples. The warnings are very real and directed to all believers. The word abide means to stay. This goes without saying: non-Christians are not, and never will be considered a part of Christ, to wind up not abiding. You can't stay some place you've never been.

John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

As powerful an eternal security scripture as this is, it in no way cancels the warnings and admonitions to continue in the faith; keep in memory; abide; hold fast; stand fast; faint not; don't deny Him, etc. As a matter of fact, "and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition:" shows that Judas (who was numbered with them) was in fact lost. God didn't make him do it, but He knew he would.

John 20:28-29

28. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Acts 1:16-17,20,25

16. Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 17. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 20. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. 25. That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

What does "by transgression fell" mean? Fell: to fall, through the idea of alighting; transgression; to go contrary. Anyone can go contrary, and that is why we have 1 John 1:9. I don't know if Judas could have been forgiven for what he did or not. All I do know is, that he was once numbered with the twelve disciples and had obtained part of the ministry, Acts 1:17. How can that mean numbered and not ever saved if he stays on the straight and narrow path? Judging from the scriptures he was far from perfect, but so was Peter. God foreknew Judas' spirit and knew he would do what he did.

Acts 8:13,18-24

13. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 18. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19. Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

Please note that Simon believed, was baptized, and continued with Philip. In vs. 18-19 notice how Simon looked back so to speak; and after Peter rebuked him, he showed at least the outward signs of repentance. The dialogue ends here and we can only speculate on what happened after that.

In our own lives we could do the same thing, and I believe if we truly repent of that transgression, it will be forgiven (except blaspheme of the Holy Spirit, Mark 3:29).

Peter's words, "Thy money perish with thee," "thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God," "gall of bitterness," "bond of iniquity," sure doesn't sound very good. This rebuke wasn't too much different from that of Jesus rebuking Peter in Matthew 16:23, "Get thee behind me Satan...." If Simon was not on his way to hell he was no doubt headed for the furnace of affliction, so his worldly dross might be skimmed off. Under that kind of pressure, one could end up denying Christ, therefore Christ would deny him.

Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

I put this verse in as an example to show that there are plenty of places where the Bible speaks to the unsaved and those that reject the way of salvation, but by-and-large it speaks to people that have been there and turned away for any number of reasons. Anyone rejecting Jesus will not have eternal life unless they repent.

Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Here Paul and Barnabus went out exhorting the disciples to continue in the faith. They gave them no "apple pie in the sky," "feel good," "guaranteed safety," kind of religion. They said, "through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God."

The Bible gives us comfort and warning; both must be given due attention for proper spiritual growth.

The scriptures in this work should be used to combat the growing trend of being "saved, dead wood," or at worst, "saved while we sin." We will see the word, "continue," in later scripture.

Acts 20:28-32 28. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Here is another warning that wouldn't need to be given if we could not "fall" (depart). Verse 31, "I cease not to warn everyone night and day with tears;" for three years, no less.

We always hear, "were they saved in the first place?" In some cases this may be true, but to use that as a blanket phrase is to deny the simplicity of salvation and the grace of God. When you ask, "was he really saved in the first place," you put yourself in a precarious position. When you take into account the fact that if you deny Christ, he will deny you; you are in essence saying, like Peter, "Lord, I would never deny you, though they torture me, I will never deny you." 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." This is the same word that describes the fall of Judas.

The assurance scriptures are there for us. They assure us that we have salvation and have it now. We can know we are saved, he will never drop us, he will never leave or forsake us.

On the other side of the coin, can you guarantee me or anyone else, that if some tyrannical government got into power and told you to deny Jesus and bow down to an idol and pledge your allegiance to it, that you wouldn't? You don't think you would, but you don't know for sure. Only time would tell. The only thing you could do is ask God to help you through it. You couldn't do it on your own.

Romans 2:3,7-9

3. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 7. To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8. But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9. Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

A pastor of a church we attended bought a used car from another pastor of a sister church. To make a long story short, the car was less than adequately represented. To make the story clear; there were a lot of things wrong with the car that the seller "forgot" to tell the buyer. How can a man represent the gospel and not adhere to its teachings; honesty being one of the main teachings, and escape the judgment of God? He can't. Tribulation or even "the" tribulation was made for him. That dross needs to be burned off.

Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

We have to remember that Paul was writing to Christians. In so remembering, by no stretch of the imagination can we say that, "whether of sin unto death" equals the unsaved, and "obedience unto righteousness" equals the saved.

Romans 8:1,6-9,13,38-39

1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 6. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 38. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The once saved always saved crowd would have a point if Paul, in vs. 1, had stopped after Christ Jesus, which he did. But it should be noted that the last ten words of vs. 1 are interpolated from scripture further down in the text. I find myself a little worried about Scofield's failure to mention that fact in his notes on Romans 8:1. Without the last ten words, it is a perfect "eternal security scripture." I guess you might say, in diagramming terms, those last ten words explain what "in Christ Jesus" really means. The emphasis is on "in." As in, "staying in" Jesus. Verse 6 says, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Those last ten words in verse 1, more than adequately describe the contents of vs. 5-13, and moreover, is a warning for Christians to stay on the straight and narrow path.

There are many degrees of Christian dedication; you can't say some are more saved than others. Some of those with higher dedication will look down their nose at those of lesser dedication and ask the famous question, "Were they really saved in the first place?" I'm afraid there are some who think their Christian job in this life is more important than someone else's job; which, in itself, could be considered walking after the flesh. Not all body parts are equal but all are important.

These verses and vs. 9-13 were written as a pep talk telling it like it should be. Salvation is instantaneous; from the moment you believe, you start your walk with Christ. If after ten minutes or ten years the "cares of this life" start to take over, beware. We all have our ups and downs, and that is why we have 1 John 1:9. If we sin and ask forgiveness, God forgives and our walk with Him continues.

Romans 8:38-39 is probably the granddaddy of all "eternal security" scriptures. Even this great truth cannot override the warnings to stay on the path. Nothing but us can separate us from God.

Romans 11:20-23

20. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21. For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

This is pretty point blank" ......take heed lest he also spare not thee," vs. 21, and in vs. 22, "......but toward thee goodness: IF thou continue in His goodness:" What happens to those that don't continue in His goodness? If there is any doubt about who Paul was talking to, take note of vs. 22, "......on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness: IF thou continue......" And then again the last sentence of vs. 22, "otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Thou, meaning the Christian. Verse 23, "to graft them in again" denotes that they were in at one time but because of sin they turned away and were "cut off."

1 Corinthians 4:14,21

14. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 21. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

I think the scripture up to this point makes it very clear why he is warning them.

1 Corinthians 5:5-6,9-11

5. To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 9. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10. Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

First of all this letter is to the Corinthian Christians. Verse 5; you cannot deliver the unsaved "unto Satan" because they are already there. Verse 6 cautions about letting sin into your life. As far as vs. 9-11 go; so much for the brotherhood of man.

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Castaway: unproved, i.e. rejected, worthless......reprobate. It has been said that Paul was speaking of his service at the end of his ministry. If this scripture was the only one or one of very few, then it might be an acceptable answer; but we can see by the context of all the warning scriptures, that we have to walk with Christ in righteousness. An example would be fleeing from the devil - it is something God gives you the strength to do, but you have to do the physical running. Paul is saying here, that following the flesh will, at "least," rob you of blessings, and at "most" is saying, Christ is not in you if ye are reprobates, 2 Cor. 13:5.

Some wonder if the people in 2 Cor. 13:5 are really Christians. Those who doubt really make salvation hard to attain; who then can know if they really are or not? This may not be any consolation now, but the whole truth will be known at the end of the age.

1 Corinthians 10:1-15

1. Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2. And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3. And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4. And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

To use the Bible's own words, vs. 6 and 11, "these warnings were given to us as an example." Verses 1-4 show us that those who perished wouldn't have, if they had remained with the flock; and make no mistake about it, they all started out in the flock. Their heart was not perfect to start with, but they obviously dwelt on their lust until it consumed them, James 1:14-15. Had those not fallen away, they could have all entered the promised land. Verses 1-4 do not teach universalism; they teach the simplicity of salvation.

These warnings are not to be ignored; they teach that we as believers can fall as a result of continued yielding to sin. The examples in vs. 6,11-12 can also happen to us. Verse 13 says, He will make a way of escape - not force you to escape. Notice in vs. 8, we are told not to commit fornication; that is something we have to physically avoid. God will not carry us off to a place of safety, we have to turn our back and walk away. There have been many disillusioned converts who have been brought to Christ by well-meaning preachers that told them to give their lives to Jesus and they would cease from sin. They quote vs. 13 as one of the "cure-alls." The new converts are not told that they have a responsibility to walk away from sin and flee from idolatry. This is something they have to do. If there is no victory over the yielding to lust for instance, there must be some unrepented sin in that person's life. When and if these people turn away, it seems that God usually gets the blame for not removing the lust that caused them to fall to sin. They were not taught to, "Just say no."

If it were impossible to "turn away" there would be no need for all the warnings. By saying that you cannot turn away, you are in fact saying that God puts us into chains so we can't jump out of His safety. We know that He will never drop us or lose us; but to say we can't stray or fall away (as in jumping out of His hands) is to deny the laws of God-given common sense; it is then easier to say, "They were never saved in the first place." Why would God want to struggle holding onto someone that didn't want to be in His presence? If, (once called by God) salvation is a voluntary act, why is not staying, in the same category?

In vs. 12, what is the significance of the word fall; and if that fallen condition is left unrepented, or God forbid, added to by more sin, what will be the outcome of such a person? Verses 5-10 has the answer.

1 Corinthians 11:30-32,34

30. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 34. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

How is it possible to be condemned with the world? If we don't respond to chastening! If there is such a thing as "irresistible grace" then all the words of rebuke and warning are unnecessary, and whosoever will and the word apostasy (in whatever Greek form it is) have to be thrown out of the Bible.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2

1. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

What happens if you don't? Take notice of "...and wherein ye stand; by which ye are also saved...IF...,"if what? If you were saved in the first place? If you go to church every Sunday? If you're lucky? If you read your Bible? No! If you keep in memory that which was preached to you, which got you to Christ in the first place. If you are saved by keeping in mind - what happens if you don't?

How can anybody overlook the significance of the words, unless ye have believed in vain? We will see more of this word IF.

2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

In vain? There will be more on this later.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

This verse is best understood by reading another version. The word repented in the Greek connotates a regret. Should read, not to be regretted of. Remember; he was talking to and about Christians.

2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

"And have not repented" says to me that these were considered by Paul to be Christians. I know there are those that will say, these are people that have not come to Jesus yet, but as we have seen and will see further ahead, Christians also need to repent when they sin - 1 John 1:9.

2 Corinthians 13:5-6

5. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6. But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

Reprobates: i.e., unproved or rejected.  Note here, it says Jesus is in you except ye be reprobates. I look at vs. 6 as a pep talk. If they stay in Christ Jesus they most certainly are not reprobates. This does not say you can't become one; as a matter of fact, it is a warning against it.

The warnings in the Bible are for a real purpose. If you are driving in the open desert you don't need a sign that says, "watch for falling rocks." However, when driving in the mountains you would be foolish if you ignored the sign and said, "The Lord will protect me." This, of course, goes without saying that the Lord put up the warning sign.

Galatians 4:19-20

19. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, 20. I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

I pull out verses 19-20, but please read 19-31. These passages deal with the people that believe you must be saved and still observe the law.

Christ was not formed in them yet, at least fully. Paul preached salvation and they accepted Christ, but legalistic teachers were trying to teach that you must also practice the law. You can see by vs. 20 that Paul was getting a little upset - "to change my voice," and "for I stand in doubt of you." These words are not too encouraging, as well as in vs. 19, "of whom I travail again until Christ be formed in you." If Paul came into our churches saying that today, he'd get carried out on a rail.

These people weren't getting rebuked because they didn't accept Christ, but because they were adding to what was preached by Paul, and if he wanted them to believe those legalistic teachings, he could have preached it himself.

These passages were included in this work, to show that when one draws away from Christ in this manner; it is with the intention of giving all the glory to God, walking with Christ, and never intending to walk contrary to scripture. This still continues on today in many of the so-called Christian religions. As the old saying goes, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." These passages don't say anything about losing one's salvation, but let me ask; how many perversions of the gospel are we allowed to practice before we are not practicing Bibical Christianity? When does God as well as Paul stand in doubt of us? At what point do we, in effect, jump out of his hands?

Galatians 5:4,9,19-21

4. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 9. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 19. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20. Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21. Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

This scripture is more pointed than the last, making it pretty clear that if you turn from Christ's salvation to the law, works or any other non-scriptural means of getting to heaven or the kingdom of God - you are fallen from grace. Once again we have to remember, this scripture was talking to believers. If the fall were not possible why would it even be mentioned?

Verse 9 is an often-repeated scripture, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." If someone is good and they start doing something bad; then the good they used to be goes bad if left in an unrepentant condition. This principle is carried out through the New Testament from Ezekiel 18:24 and 33:18.

According to the eternalist, vs. 19-21 cannot happen to the true believer. The scriptures say that anyone doing these things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Therefore, according to their thinking anyone doing these things must have never been saved in the first place. What I don't understand is; why would Paul and others warn God's people not to do these things, if they wouldn't or couldn't do them in the first place?

I think there could be a lot of Christians missing the kingdom but get into heaven. (See: Second Chance.)

Galatians 6:1,8-9

1. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 8. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

We can see what this side of the coin says; but what does the other side say? If we faint we shall not reap. Please note vs. 8. We find if we sow to the flesh we shall reap corruption and if we sow to the Spirit we shall reap everlasting life. As you can see, the Bible puts a big emphasis on walking with God. We are saved by faith, but if our works do not follow, or are corrupt, we are in trouble.

Ephesians 2:8-10

8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

These verses are generally thought to be pro-once saved, but please pay attention to the warning: "that we should walk in them." If we don't walk in them there is going to be serious problems.

Ephesians 5:1-7,15-17

1. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you as becometh saints; 4. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 15. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Closely associating with people like this can put leaven in your life. The most important thing we have to remember is that this was written to the saints. If you do the above mentioned things then you have no inheritance with Christ; it is not that Christians can't sin, but should avoid sinning and if we do sin, we should reach out to God through 1 John 1:9. Contrary to the way evangelists use this (1 John 1:9) scripture to get unbelievers to the altar, this verse is for believers to use for restoring their fellowship with God when they sin. This proves the point that Christians can in fact succumb to these above mentioned sins, and that it isn't true when people think by virtue of the fact that we are God's, we somehow, mystically, can't sin. Verse 3 doesn't say it can't be named among you, it says "don't let it once" be named among you.

Verse 7, "Be not ye partakers with them." YE is definitely not speaking to the unsaved, and by the fact that we are warned not to do these things tells us that if we do, we are in great peril. How could Christians be partakers with sinners if they couldn't turn away?

Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

If you are an offence to Christ, through continuous habitual sinning, it will bring you to judgment. If that judgment is not eternal hell, and it means the or types of tribulation, and in so going through, if you deny Christ, he will deny you.

Philippians 3:17-19

17. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19. Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

These verses are kind of broad but the key is in the above underlined. This is why the Bible and the Holy Spirit has to be our guide. We are living in very liberal times and I'm convinced that most of the world's liberalness flies in the face of God and will set its followers up for judgment.

Colossians 1:21-23 21. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22. In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Verse 21 tells the people that they were unbelievers until God "reconciled" them. Also notice vs. 23 has another if - what happens if you don't continue in the faith? Paul, as well as Matthew (Matthew 7:13-14) leaves it a two way street. If we don't continue in the faith that we started in, we won't be holy, unblameable and unreproveable in His sight. "Be not moved away" (vs. 23) is also not without significance. Since this is speaking to believers, if it were not possible to move away - why the warning? You can't continue in a faith that you never had. Failure to listen to the warnings will have a serious consequence.

1 Thessalonians 3:4-9

4. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 5. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. 6. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: 7. Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: 8. For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 9. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

Why would Paul wonder about their faith surviving if there were no possibility that they could fall away? Verses 6-9 prove everything was okay, but remember Galatians 4:20; Paul stood in doubt of them. Also Galatians 3:1, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you......" When he left the Thessalonicans they were saved. He warned them of the tribulations that were coming, and now that it had come to pass, Paul was anxious to check on them to see if their labor had been in vain. He certainly would not have used the word vain if it were impossible to turn away.

Please notice another “if.”

1 Timothy 1:18-20

18. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19. Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20. Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 4:1,16

1. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 16. Take heed to thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

First of all this letter was to Timothy, who no doubt was a TRUE BELIEVER. Listen to Paul's words to Timothy, "for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee." Timothy was exhorted to continue in them and not fall back.

I can only come to one conclusion when reading these passages; if Timothy was one of those who departed and turned toward the doctrines of devils he would not save himself, no matter how much allegiance he claimed to give God.

Why would Paul warn Timothy about falling away if it were impossible for Timothy to do so? Ultimately, the eternalist tells us that his falling away is impossible because we knew he was a true Christian. To say he was never saved in the first place is to deny any of us can have assurance of salvation, and in essence is saying it is impossible to know you are saved. Christ will always do His part and we must do ours.

1 Timothy 5:8,11-13,15

8. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 11. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12. Having damnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 15. For some are already turned aside after Satan.

Verse 8 says, anyone that denies the faith is worse than an infidel, which says to me that he is talking to believers, why else the differentiation? To deny is to deny. If you don't provide for your own, or if you outright deny Christ, you are not His.

"Having damnation because they have cast off their first faith." That should make anyone sit up and take notice; the people in these verses are in a lot of trouble unless they repent. This was written to a Christian; I don't think they are idle words, nor should they be taken lightly.

1 Timothy 6:8-12,19-21

8. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 19. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21. Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

More empty words? I think not. How can a non-Christian err from the faith that he wouldn't possess in the first place? Err - to lead astray, to stray (from the truth), seduce. Timothy, as well as all the other believers, are told to lay hold on eternal life (vs. 12); the opposite of laying hold is not abiding, not continuing, falling away, denying Christ, etc.

2 Timothy 2:12,15,18-19,24-26

12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 15. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 18. Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 24. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Verse 12 seems very clear - if we deny him he will deny us. This verse would be no problem for the Christian if Paul were talking to the unsaved, but this is a warning to saved sinners. Verse 15 does not speak of actual works but of "holding faith." Hymenaeus and Alexander were not "rightly dividing the word of truth" and it is considered turning away.

The unsaved are already in iniquity. The saved that take their eyes off Christ will slip into iniquity if left unchecked. Verse 19 is a precious truth. God, not us, knows them that are His and If you know Christ; depart from iniquity. I think vs. 25-26 speak to problems in the church with those that tend to wander away from what Paul delivered unto them at the first. The last sentence of vs. 26, "who are taken captive by him at his will," should really scare all of us to true humility. The only power we have over the Devil is God. If we do things that offend and don't repent of them, God can turn us over to the Devil like he did to Job, and there is where the real danger lies. In that kind of pain and anguish, who knows what we will speak against God, proclaiming our righteousness, or perhaps follow the advice of Job's wife, "curse God and die."

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

There is always room for good works but the good works only show that the heart is on the right track. There are a lot of people doing good works that might not be in accordance with God's will, and moreover could be standing in the way of what God is trying to accomplish.

Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

If this applies to the unsaved for just hearing the word, what would it mean if the ones believing in Christ let the word slip away?

Hebrews 3:6-19

6. But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 7. Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8. Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9. When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; 15. While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 16. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17. But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18. And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19. So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Here is another if; we are surely his house IF we hold fast...... unto the end. And if not? Verses 12-14 make it clear that the writer is talking to Christians; how could an unbeliever even be considered - "take heed brethren." What happens if you depart from the living God? In vs. 13 why would the writer tell anyone that was not a believer to exhort one another daily? Verse 19 - unbelief in the Greek: faithlessness, unfaithfulness.

"We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end" (vs. 14). How could this pertain to an unbeliever? He has no steadfastness to hold onto.

Hebrews 4:1,11

1. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 11. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

The word unbelief in the Greek means disobedience, to have never had faith. It was pretty hard not to believe in a God that did all the miracles that those people saw, both in the land of Egypt and in the wilderness. They obviously lacked that "heart belief" (trust) that God wants all of his people to have toward Him, but they also lacked that desire to walk in obedience to the word of God as revealed by Moses.

Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

This comes right in line with Hebrews 3:6-19, and once again the question - what happens if we don't obey him? Some will say you obey him by getting saved, but as you can see by the letters to the churches, obey means a lot more than that.

Hebrews 6:1-12

1. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2. Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3. And this will we do, if God permit. 4. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5. And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6. If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8. But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Verses 1-3 are another subject in itself, and almost all evangelical churches are guilty of this today - preaching salvation to the saved, week after week. The people are getting a steady diet of milk; whereas, a complete scriptural diet is necessary. You have to have the milk and the meat, the blessings and the warnings.

Verses 4-6 tells us that for those who fall away the return trip is impossible. That is why Paul warns us with tears......Acts 20:31. If this can't be pertaining to Christians, as some believe, how can an unbeliever come back from where they have never been? In vs. 6 the words "fall away" have a different Greek meaning from some of the other words such as err, turn, depart and what happened in the cases of the lost sheep and the prodigal son. There is even a stronger sense of finality in this one, and who but God can know if our falling away is of this nature (to fall aside i.e. (fig) to apostatize: - fall away) or that of the prodigal son (eventual return). In the case of vs. 6, I believe this states the final outcome of the Christian that does not use 1 John 1:9.

In Acts 8:21, Peter said Simon's heart was not right. Some converts have an overnight victory over the old nature while others may take longer. Not everyone that gets to heaven is going to receive the same rewards.

Hebrews 8:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

This verse reminds us what we learned in the Old Testament about Solomon and his breaking the covenant as well as the Israelites.

Hebrews 10:23-29,38-39

23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26. for if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27. but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 38. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

These verses refer to the Jewish converts that accepted Christ yet still felt they must sacrifice to be saved. How can "HE" in vs. 29 have ever been sanctified by the blood, if he was never saved?

The language is pretty brutal in vs. 27-28, yet even more so in vs. 29. I'm sure the people didn't think their actions were bad, I'm sure they didn't mean to trodden under foot the Son of God, and I'm also sure they didn't intentionally count the blood of the covenant as an unholy thing. No matter what they thought, vs. 29 and 38 show how God looks at man-made or man-dictated worship. In their sincerity to glorify God, they dishonored Him, and if left unrepented, would bring harsh judgment upon themselves.

Verse 38, "The just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul have no pleasure in him." Tell me how anyone can draw back from where they've never been. How can His soul have no pleasure in someone that He could have no pleasure in, in the first place? There is no way that this draw back can be speaking about someone having just head knowledge of Jesus, because according to vs. 29, they were sanctified.

The word perdition in the Greek has the idea of ruin or loss, spiritual or eternal. How can they that are headed to perdition draw back to perdition and be in any worse shape?

Notice the pep talk in vs. 39. It is a fact, you can draw back unto perdition. The writer saying, "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition;" doesn't mean they can't, as we have already seen, and will see in the warning scriptures ahead.

Hebrews 12:14-17,25

14. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. 25. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

This chapter deals with Divine chastening. Verse 6 says, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Does this sound like the unsaved are even in consideration? Therefore failing the grace of God and letting any root of bitterness trouble us, is something that can happen to Christians. God will reach out and try to bring us home. What would be the final outcome of the person that fails to respond to the Lord's chastening? Will the Lord let a sinner into heaven?

James 1:14-16,21

14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16. Do not err, my beloved brethren. 21. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Christians remember, can be tempted when they are drawn away of their own lust, and enticed, vs. 14. How could a non-Christian ever begin to fit into this verse? They are already on their way to hell from the moment they were born. It is a fact that a Christian can be disobedient unto death. If there is any doubt about who this letter is to, please take a careful look at vs. 16; you don't call the unsaved world, "beloved brethren." Verse 21 tells Christians to "lay apart" filthiness and also tells us that the word, is "able" to save your souls. The Greek word for able means to be able, possible, or may. This also remains consistent with Luke 21:36.

James 5:19-20

19. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20. Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Verse 19; here is another brethren, "Brethren, if any of you do err (roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way) from the truth and one convert him;...." (convert: to revert, turn about again). Why do they need to be converted if they, in fact, haven't turned away? According to the eternalist view of 1 Corinthians 11:29-32 as incorrectly applied to this scripture, why wouldn't God kill all those that are disobedient when it applies, especially if it kept them from going to hell? If a Christian has to be killed in order to get him to heaven, what kind of person will he be there? Let's not forget Lucifer. Angels were created with everlasting life with God when Lucifer "turned away." We are chosen of God and in turn, freely choose to follow Him. Why can't we turn away? Anyone with a mind of their own will not be welcome in heaven; we must have the mind of God, in free will, so to speak.

Notice that the offender is called a sinner. Judging by James 1:15, the implications are a little more than just a rebuke. We also have to remember Peter's conversion. It doesn't say he would have gone to hell, but if he had not repented one has cause to wonder, when judging by the warning scriptures.

1 Peter 1:2-9

2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Notice the way this ETERNAL SECURITY scripture starts off: “Unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood.” This great ONCE SAVED scripture has two qualifications. If you are truly sprinkled with the blood, you will want to be obedient and ask God for His help to keep you on the path.

Notice vs. 7 fits into the same category as Luke 21:36 and Rev. 7:14. It does not sound like a cakewalk for those Christians wrapped up in the "cares of this life."

1 Peter 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

The Hebrew women are considered Abraham's daughters if they do well and aren't afraid, or the NIV says, "give way to fear." Also see Rev. 21:8.

1 Peter 4:17-18

17. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18. And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

There are three distinctions mentioned here: house of God (the righteous), the ungodly (the unsaved) and the sinners. The sinners in vs. 18 are like the ones mentioned in James 5:20 who are floating back and forth between righteous and ungodly. For too long now, we have thought of the sinner as the unsaved person. I don't think that is entirely true and it is evidenced by all the warnings given to us as believers.

2 Peter 1:1,4-12

1. Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6. And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7. And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11. For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 12. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

Verse 1 makes it clear that Peter is writing to Christians. He states that he is an Apostle to them that have obtained like precious faith. Notice all that he says Christians are, if these things be in them vs. 5-7. Let's also notice that these qualities don't come to us overnight and/or at the instant of salvation; we must grow into them. If we can grow into them, we most certainly can grow out of them, through the deceitfulness of sin and the cares of this life. The proof of what I'm saying is in vs. 10, "......for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." (to trip, i.e. (fig.) to err, sin, fail (of salvation): fall, offend, stumble). There's that word IF again; and if you don't do these things,... then what? How can you fall? If you lack these things stated in vs. 5-7.

2 Peter 2:4-22

4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5. And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6. And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7. And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8. (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10. But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13. And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14. Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15. Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16. But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

These verses are speaking about false prophets but will apply to those whom they seduce also.

Notice in vs.1-18 that Peter is talking about false teachers and in vs.19 he gives a strong warning to avoid their teachings: "for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage."

In vs. 20-21, I believe the people that might listen to the false teachers were saved. Look at the words attributed to them: KNOWLEDGE: recognition, i.e. (by impl.) full discernment, acknowledgment. AGAIN ENTANGLED: to entwine, i.e. (fig) involve with: entangle (in, self with). AND OVERCOME: to make worse, i.e. vanquish, to rate lower. KNOWN: to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by impl. to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge.

Notice vs. 22 is not calling them dogs or swine, but simply makes an analogy. It shows God's disgust over one of His sheep departing the good life for that which he or she, at one time, turned away from. The words mire and vomit pretty well describe our existence and life without God. Why would someone want to go back? And if they do, they deserve what they get. Have they slipped out of God's hands? Not at all; they jumped.

2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.

I think that the word fall gives us a wrong view concerning apostasy; it has the connotation, thanks to the indoctrination of the eternalist, that Jesus said, "whoops" as you slip through His fingers. The more appropriate understanding would be depart; it better describes the situation to which our wickedness and uncontrolled lusts can lead.

Our steadfastness in the Lord is of ourselves in that we must conscientiously not be led away.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This is the key of all the warning scriptures; we all sin and come short of the glory of God. When we sin we must get right with God by asking Him to forgive us. What happens if we as Christians don't confess our sins? We won't be forgiven and we won't be cleansed from our unrighteousness, therefore, a wall of separation starts going up between us and God. Does that mean we were never saved in the first place? Not at all.

God does not force Christ upon us, even though it would be good for us if he did. God calls and we freely choose. If we freely choose today, we can freely reject or turn away tomorrow; yet He is not willing that any should perish.

Salvation may sound good to you today so you accept the Lord; if you stay, you are saved, but if, (as in Luke 8:6 and 21:34) the cares of this life take over - beware!

As mentioned before, this scripture is for Christians. Even though it can be applied to non-believers, as is done in many evangelistic meetings; it was given to God's people to keep us in our walk with Him.

1 John 2:24-28

24. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. 26. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Here is another if - IF you keep that which you have heard from the beginning you have the promise of eternal life, vs. (24-25). And if you don't? It only seems logical that the opposite would happen. Once again, why give a warning if there is no consequence for not obeying it? If there is no real reason for the warning, why clutter the Bible with all of them? Why would we be warned about false teachers if they had no real power and were no real threat? If you couldn't be seduced from God by their words, then all their speech would be empty and vain babblings.

Verse 27 is both a pep talk and proof that these warnings were to Christians. It also promises you that the Holy Spirit will be your teacher if you abide with Christ.

Verse 24, "shall continue in the Son" and vs. 28, "and now, little children, abide in Him" is speaking to believers since you can't abide or continue in Christ if you've never come to Him. "Little children" is also very significant. There is no way the unsaved could possibly have had any confidence of escaping the shame when "He shall appear" because they not only don't abide, but they were never in the flock in the first place.

1 John 5:16-21

16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 17. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. 18. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 19. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 20. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 21. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Verse 18 is another biggie in the world of eternal security. It is true as true can be, but also look at vs. 21. If we "step back" and go to idols, vs. 18 means that we broke the covenant and according to all that we have learned up to this point, turned away from God. Remember, if there is a difference between turning to God from idols, and turning from idols to God; there is an even bigger difference if one turns from God to idols. Turning from idols to God, shows a futile searching for truth as one understands the world’s truth. Turning to God from idols shows an arrival at the truth. Turning from God to idols shows total ignorance at least and rebellion at most.

2 John 8-9

8. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

"Look to yourselves" - As mentioned before, we have certain responsibilities to keep ourselves walking with Christ to receive a full reward.

If you transgress and abide not in the doctrine of Christ, you don't have God; and without God you are lost, just the same as the person that has never come to Christ. Notice the words transgress and abide. If this letter was written to the unsaved, these words could not be used when talking about them. As mentioned before, the unsaved could not abide in that which they've never had.

Jude 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

This is one of the chief "eternal security" scriptures. It is stating the great truth, we are saved forever - if we stay with Christ. This, with its magic word, Preserved, (to guard, by keeping eye upon) has to be tempered with 1 Cor. 11:31-32, wherewith, if we judge ourselves "and repent" we won't be condemned with the world; and Jude vs. 3, where we are exhorted to contend for the faith. We are truly preserved if we stay in the faith, much like the vegetables or fruit is preserved if the air is kept out of the jar, i.e. leaven is kept out of our lives. If Noah and his sons jumped out of the ark they would have been lost from that which God sought to deliver them. We must stay on the straight and narrow path.

In Curtis Hutson's, Why I Disagree With All Five Points of Calvinism, page 16, he says, "I do not know a single Bible verse that says anything about saints' persevering,..." I think he should read Rev. 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21. The constant theme of these and others, is to overcome (subdue). Overcome what? The second death and the lake of fire. Paul (in Philippians 3:14) exhorts us to press (pursue) toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Another good place to start may be this publication, which points to many of the warnings about turning away from the Lord. I'm willing to bet (forgive the expression) that Curtis Hutson also believes in the pre-tribulation rapture which helps him to avoid the much needed judgment of the church and the removal of the dross that needs to be burned off to reveal pure silver and gold. Only Philadelphia is "kept" (to guard) from that hour of temptation. Remember Goshen, and Luke 21:36, escape - to flee out, not be lifted up. Let's not forget that Daniel missed the obligation to bow down to the golden image on the plain of Dura. He wasn't raptured, he was out of town at that time. God provided for him just like He will for the church of Philadelphia.

Curtis should have taken a look at Jude vs. 5-7 and the very sober warnings concerning Israel being saved out of Egypt, just to lose some that turned away; And the angels that kept not their first estate; and the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah. There was no difference between any of them when you see the judgment that was cast upon them all. It is no accident that this example from the Old Testament is given to the New Testament church. And again, lets not forget Jude vs. 3, where he exhorts us to "contend" (or struggle) for the faith. We will only be preserved if we are not rotten with unconfessed sin. The amount of that unconfessed sin will be equal with the amount of God's judgment upon us. If, when undergoing that judgment, we curse Him, "we put ourselves" in great eternal jeopardy.

Concerning the word separate, in Jude 19: “These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.”  I have been thought of as having this separation from the church, through the forsaking of gathering together. My offense with the church’s path to heaven shows that they fit the Greek meaning of separate better than I.

Between heaven and earth is a narrow path. Many years ago the Roman Catholics headed off in an obscure direction and when some of them realized it was the wrong path, "protested" and turned back - and that was the good news - the bad news is that they (protesters) are stuck somewhere between Roman Catholicism and The Way.

Jude 3-7,14-15

3. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 14. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15. To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

These verses are given for an example to those that might turn away, not to those that have never come to God. The word contend (vs. 3) means: to struggle for. In vs. 5 the people suffered because their act of unbelief was to "turn away," yet not deny the existence of the God, that they followed through the parting of the sea, etc. As in vs. 6, 2 Peter 2:4-6 also stated, "God spared not the angels that sinned," (who were already in heaven, by the way) "but cast them down to hell......" He sent the flood upon the world of the ungodly, and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrha making them all an example for future generations who should choose to live ungodly lives. We are warned here as well as in other books, to keep ourselves from fornication and strange flesh, because it will bring on death and/or the vengeance of God through eternal fire. As 2 Peter says - it would be better to have not known (to become fully acquainted) the way of righteousness, than after having known it, to turn (to revert) from that which was delivered unto them. (Meaning salvation.)

Revelation 2:4-5,7,10-11,17,22,25-26

4. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 7. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. 10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. 17. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. 22. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 25. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

One of the most prominent features of this discourse (Rev. 2-3) to the "churches" is, the word "overcome." Please notice that there are great blessings given to those that overcome. But what about those that don't overcome? Was He not talking to the churches? Are the churches not His? Why would He bother warning them if there was no reason for the warning?

For an example let's take a look at 2:8-11. Who was this written to? Were they believers or unbelievers? What kind of promise did some of them get? This was written to the church at Smyrna and I think that we can assume they were believers. The promise was that some would be thrown into prison, that they may be tried and would have tribulation ten days. Notice the reward - "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." What happens if they aren't faithful unto death? This raises an interesting question. What about the ones that didn't have to go through that tribulation? Could they be the ones that practiced Luke 21: 36, "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man," and were protected?

Concerning vs. 11; This says to me that the ones that don't overcome will be hurt of the second death. (See: What Happens When We Die?)

Once again we must note that most of the New Testament deals with problems in the true church. There are many forms and degrees of apostasy. There are basically two forms of judgment concerning apostasy - either eternal fire or the furnace of affliction. The furnace of affliction can cause the dross in ones life to be separated and removed, leaving pure gold or silver. The only danger in this method is, if while you are under any of a number of afflictions in that furnace, you deny Christ, then, as we have learned earlier, He will deny you.

Revelation 3:4-5,11,21

4. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 11. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 21. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Conservative scholars are constantly telling us to interpret the Bible literally whenever we can. This verse must be one of the exceptions because it is based on their belief that once you come to God you can't depart, no matter what; He won't let you jump out of the boat, so to speak. I also realize that there are those that say these people are the ones saved in the tribulation, to which I agree. This is not really the point. The point is that those saved in the tribulation still must not deny Christ or He will deny them. The denial can take them from saved to unsaved. Why then, would it be any different for us today? As I asked earlier in the commentary on Matthew 5:13, "Is the tribulation saint any less, or does his salvation differ from that of his brother over 1900 years ago?"

I thought that the book of life contained the names of those who were saved. That used to be the teaching until the eternalist ran into problems with the warning scriptures, vs. the assurance scriptures. They came up with all kinds of historical antidotes about one having his name removed from the citizen’s register for his contrary thinking, etc. In all their words trying to justify their position, they pass over the central thought and fail to consider the other side of the coin. The opposite of him that overcomes and is rewarded, is the one that does not overcome - and is.....what? Never saved in the first place? I don't think so.

The blessings mentioned in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of Revelation are great promises to God's people. For the person that doesn't overcome, these are then, great warnings. All the security scripture in the world can never take away from the warnings. The security scriptures apply to those that stay on the straight and narrow path, the ones that "overcome."

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Read Matthew 25:14-30; at any time, the unfaithful servant could have dug up the talent and put it with the money exchangers before the return of his lord; but we are obviously dealing with a heart condition there. An important thing to remember is, the non-Christian wouldn't even be in line to receive any talents in the first place. It should be pointed out that the slothful servant was only given one talent which indicates his dedication could have been questionable to start with, even so, he could have multiplied it had he the desire or even a little dedication to his lord. Two other examples that could fit into this same type of category are Judas Iscarriot and the seed that is cast on stony places.

I believe many teachers soft-soap these and other verses when they say, "they weren't really saved in the first place". Examples are given of how the children of Israel were in the wilderness with the mixed multitude and so on. First of all, the writer of Hebrews, as well as the other aforementioned warning scriptures, was writing to believers; the phrase in vs. 4, "partakers of the Holy Spirit" - (a sharer, associate or participant) cannot be a status claimed by a non-believer. Secondly, in vs. 10, "for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” God would not recognize the work of the unsaved. Compare with Matthew 7:22-23.

Revelation 13:7-8

7. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Here is a prime example of what we use to prove that those outside the house of God are in real trouble. What we fail to realize is, if we turn away from Him, we are in that number. As noted before, there are a couple examples of scripture like 1 John 1:9, that have been used by evangelists to get people to Christ for the first time, when in fact, it was given to us for when we have come short of the mark, via, slipping back into sin. Also see James 5:19-20.

Revelation 14:9-11

9. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

If any Christian going through "the" tribulation, or if any tribulation saint would get weak and wear the mark of the beast - what will happen to him? Some people say , "well, he wasn't saved in the first place." That isn't what the Bible teaches; it says, "any man." Please remember the warning to the church at Smyrna, Rev. 2:10, "Be thou faithful unto death......" How could an unsaved person be faithful unto death? "Whosoever receiveth the mark......", leaves the possibilities wide open. The warning to the church of Smyrna then, and to us today, can't be overstated or overemphasized. This also brings up the issue of who's going through the tribulation. (See: Is There a Pretribulation Rapture?)

Revelation 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

This obviously is talking about the Great Tribulation. It is important to notice that there are Christians that went through it. God knows those who need the dross burned off. It should also be pointed out that there are those that didn't make it and are the ones that have no power over the second death.

Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Verses 12-16 speak of the gathering of the nations to Armageddon. Whether you believe in the pre-tribulation or post-tribulation rapture, these Christians need to keep their garments clean by overcoming. And if they don't? They had better get a helmet. I still think there are those that escape Armageddon even though they are in the Great Tribulation.
Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Once again, this really says it all.

Revelation 22:18-19

18. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Here is another passage we must not be able to take literally; if we do, it also will prove that we can depart from the faith and our salvation. John testifies unto every man that heareth the words of this prophecy, and if any man adds to these things......and if any man takes away from the words......God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy City, and from the things that are written in this book. Does that mean that everyone hearing the words of Revelation is on his way to heaven, unless he takes away from the words of the same? Not at all - you can't get to heaven by just hearing the words of this prophesy; you must be born again. Once again, I believe this is directed to the believer because, how could an unbeliever have their part removed when they never had it? Whether saved or unsaved, it doesn't matter, because whoever "adds to" or "takes away" is in trouble. Is the Christian somehow exempted from having to follow the rules here? If you believe "once saved always saved," that's exactly what you have to say.

I can't remember the publication or the name of the writer but a pastor concerned about my stand on eternal security gave the magazine to read so-as-to set me straight. The author tried to present both sides of the subject. He even seemed to chide both sides for not grabbing the simplicity of the issue. He mainly came down on the side of eternal security, to be sure. To make a fairly long article short - at the end he said something like: my friends - the warnings in the Bible are only there to make sure that we don't turn away from Christ. (End of article) That is true but my question still remains - What happens if we do? Only God knows what He is going to do with His backsliding children.

If I am right about the fact that there is no pre-tribulation rapture - then you can count on the church going through that fiery furnace, so the impurities of the world will be purged. At this point let's not forget Luke 21:36. The worthy (Philadelphia) will escape (flee out, not up).

Below is a completed list of the "ifs" and their scriptural reference.

If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God... Exo 15:26
If thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. Deu 28:9
If they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them. 2Ki 21:8
If thy children take heed to their way... 1Kings 2:4
If ye return unto Him...2 Chronicles 30:9
If ye continue in my word...John 8:31
If ye abide in me... John 15:7
If ye keep my commandments... John 15:10
If ye do whatsoever I command you. John 15:14
If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Romans 8:9
If so be that we suffer with him... Romans 8:17
If thou continue in his goodness... Romans 11:22
If ye keep in memory what I preached unto you... 1Corinthians 15:2
If we faint not. Galatians 6:9
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled... Colossians 1:23
If ye stand fast in the Lord. 1Thessalonians 3:8
If we (don't) deny him... 2Timothy 2:12
If we hold fast the confidence...unto the end. Hebrews 3:6
If we hold the beginning of our confidence...unto the end. Hebrews 3:14
If ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 2 Peter 1:10
If we walk in the light... 1John 1:7
If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you... 1John 2:24

1 Sam 15:22 …Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice...

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

We can’t say that we have faith without it being understood that we have indeed received God’s grace by accepting His Son. His offer (grace) is refused daily. Therefore there are those that don’t have God’s grace, no matter what good works they do. Although, remember Cornelius. He seemed to have God’s grace upon him, because of all the good deeds and prayers that he offered up before he was told what to do, in the way of accepting Christ and being baptized. God looks upon the heart and bestows His grace in accordance with what He finds in the heart.

Once saved cannot supersede the covenant if WE break it. How can the assurance scriptures override our turning away from God, in the face of all the warnings not to?

I believe the full council of scripture indicates that obedience is an integral part of the word "grace“ as pertains to God’s free gift and our Christian walk. With the acceptance of God’s grace there is an obligation to walk the straight and narrow path. Col. 2:6, The New Living Translation: “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him.” What happens if you don’t? You need 1 John 1:9.

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