Quote:
Originally Posted by pelathais
While I personally think the idea of "once saved, always saved" ignores a number of important points, as you have pointed out; I also feel that to ignore the concept of the Preservation of the Saints as you appear to also have done is equally deficient.
For example, Hebrews 10:26... The manner in which you seem to be wanting to apply this passage smacks of "Christian Perfectionism" through works, a doctrine that I know MichaeltheDisciple heartily supports but for which we find little support for in the Scriptures.
It is a simple fact; those that "work out their own salvation with fear and trembling" and never "depart from the faith" are SECURE in their salvation in Christ. They were "once saved" and they shall always remain saved! |
I firmly believe in "working out our faith with fear and trembling." But I think this is often taken out of context. Please note what it is teaching...
Philippians 2:11-13 (King James Version)
11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Notice, we are not the ones working out our salvation. It is "God which worketh in" us to will and to do of "his good pleasure". We are His workmanship in Christ Jesus. God Himself is the one perfecting and sanctifying through the convicting power of the Spirit. It ISN'T our efforts or our works. Therefore, working out our salvation is predicated upon denying self and allow Christ to work in us. Not keeping religious rules and standards.