SALVATION - A GIFT OF GOD TO BE GUARDED?. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God”. Jesus severally did declare that he did not come to this world to destroy it, and that He is the epitome of eternal life. That His salvation package is conditional, without any form of coercion or compulsion but by faith in Him. We have been created as moral/ethical beings, not to function mechanically - a machine operated upon pressing a button, turning a gear(Zombie) to set it in motion. We are endowed with the ability to make fair and objective analysis of situations on the ground, to further assist us make firm decisions on an individual’s own volition. In Philemon1:14 is this confirmed:- “But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly”. This salvation package has resemblance, typical of a ‘Federation’ which the leadership of a nation decides membership by formal application, yet at liberty to opt out. Its like the Commonwealth, the European Union, the Defunct Soviet Union or the Africa Union where Morocco although part and parcel of Africa yet, not a member, not incurring the displeasure of the rest whilst competing in Football in Africa and World Cup . In 2Pet3:9, God never wished that humans perished, and that all should acknowledge His sovereignty, believe in His son unto salvation. Some have decided to revert to their former state like a pig returns to its wallow (2Tim4:10, John6:66-68, 1John2:15-17). If a member of the body of Christ (Judas Iscariot as analogy) decides to terminate a God created life through suicide, he is at liberty ( John17:12-15, Acts1:13-25, Psa109:8). His office would be taken over by another. Decisions we make go with consequences. In the Garden of Eden, man’s disobedience caused his expulsion. Thus angels with flaming swords mounted guard purposefully(Gen3:23-24). Provision was made by a merciful & loving God as a way of escape for returnees like the Prodigal Son and for all backsliders and defaulters, through the blood of Jesus – 1John1:6-10. Accordingly, one of the arm robbers(on the cross alongside Jesus) and Peter who denied Him thrice, appropriated the power of pardon, but Judas Iscariot did not. There is this other category known as - false teachers, prophets, brethren etc who are making merchandise from the power of God’s kingdom (Acts8:17-21, Gal2:4, 1Tim4:1, 2Pet2:1-3, 1John4:1) who in Matt7:21-23, Jesus denounced. There are also those who denied him before men, who Jesus said He will also deny before His father in heaven –Matt10:32-33. Was Peter who denied Jesus thrice excluded?. Was Peter spared ?. Was Peter’s answers to Jesus’ “ Lovest thou me” thrice: amounting to pardon, as recorded in the last chapter of John?. In effect, God does not change, but humans are susceptible to change and if we do not take measures to rectify these anomalies with the Holy Spirit’s help, it could affect our relationships with Him . The issue of ‘Once saved, guarantees passport to heaven’ needed some review in the light of scripture, taking into account Paul’s statement for each one to workout his or her own salvation in Philippians2. If God knows those who are His, I refuse to judge any, for the mandate rests with Jesus, God’s righteous Judge – John5:22, 27. Stay Blessed.
Posted on: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 08:14:05 +0000
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