WPCK (:F 7NE6uRSŔ( .oX/+ m丵rmG G(QC!IB  <֔1zjMj!V}8@I gh9q ¤R=w13ѲsŐBJiO8-s.`<%?i:jtFPwcB| w hIat{4rͭ+UܙLX j )T׹g̜[ՃA՚ evuX=TFK7-E: MZY'U#xj9~ml-;ʈMKvY%ȊP ! dKe׍@ϿJjyd UeaubB3ye}$_osmj[=:i|;<AKJU 4  %@ FU<RUH 0|NRU4TeU4U4U4U4- U*a U4 U4  m  ^  0U U4u u 0 0 U4E 0y 2 0`B #!k!!["X$ [%!a%!(!,!0!3 )5 6"7 0<wT=4X=U)0l= 0= 0I> 0> 0? 0,@ 0@ 0A 0cB 0 C 0C 0FD 0D 0jE 0E 0F 0uG 0H 0H 0aI 0I 0J 0K& `CG TimesW1X;F/g'_ $CG TimesBoldW1+j 0Times New Roman Bold(T2G$  ! =pvXXdd=8pvXXdd8Xo[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?AXo   $ `CG TimesW1& `CG TimesW1 & `CG TimesW1' `CG TimesW1& `CG TimesW1%2A`Arial& `CG TimesW1& `CG TimesW1 Ux\7 *+ (_2623  ..& `CG TimesW1*D+D (_25   ," <DL,23  ..," <DL,   *5+5 (_24  ) <DL)23  ..) <DL)  & `CG TimesW1*2+2 (_23 ` &<<DL&23  ..&<<DL& ` 3|B(8$ =XXdd=7XXd7Xo[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?AXo  HP Officejet J5700 Series0"u^> (_17  2( 4 <DL223  Ԁ2( 4 <DL2  *DD (_16   ," <DL,23  Ԁ," <DL,   *55 (_15  ) <DL)23  Ԁ) <DL)  *22 (_14 ` &<<DL&23  Ԁ&<<DL& ` *// (_13  #DL#23  Ԁ#DL#  *,, (_12   DL 23  Ԁ DL  *)) (_11 h DDL23  ԀDDL h *&& (_10  L23  ԀL  (## &_9   L23  Ԁ L  (>> &_8  2( 4 <DL223  2( 4 <DL2  (DD &_7   ," <DL,23  ," <DL,   (55 &_6  ) <DL)23  ) <DL)  (22 &_5 ` &<<DL&23  &<<DL& ` (// &_4  #DL#23  #DL#  (,, &_3   DL 23   DL  ()) &_2 h DDL23  DDL h (&& &_1  L23  L  &## $_   L23   L   ! =pvXXdd=8pvXXdd8Xo[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?AXo   _ XX% =] % ' [ * X, XX*@ Bd ONCESAVEDALWAYSSAVED    [Isthisthesecurityofthebeliever?#[^# N` R,[,[,,,,[  compiledbyRachelM.Cory,  :October28,2007!   bt )d&%,,dJAMES5:1920 Brethren,if anyoneamongyouwandersfromthetruth ,andsomeoneturnshimback,lethimknow N` 0  thathewhoturnsasinnerfromtheerrorofhiswaywillsaveasoulfromdeathandcoveramultitude_of_Ԁsins.d*<$$ 0  dThesinnerhereisnotsomeonewhohasneverknownthetruth.ThisisoneofChristsown.$$ 0  Thisversesaysitallonewhoknowsthetruth,CANwanderfromit, $$ 0  Andthatsoulwillultimatelydie,unlessheturnsbacktoChrist.  $$   TheverseisshownbelowfromtheNewRevisedStandardVersion.d b t  0  dJames5:19Mybrothersandsisters,ifanyoneamongyouwandersfromthetruthandisbroughtbackbyanother,you  $  shouldknowthatwhoeverbringsbackasinnerfromwanderingwillsavethesinner'ssoulfromdeathandwillcovera   multitudeofsins.d $$  X: X%&dNowthatyouknowwhereImcomingfromLetsstartover:#&% XX:`#  r  0   JOHN10:28,29Jesussaid Igivethemeternallife,andtheyshallneverperish;noonecansnatchthemoutofmyhand. 6H MyFatherwhohasgiventhemtome,isgreaterthanall;noonecansnatchthemoutofmyFathershand.NIV $$ JOHN5:24"Mostassuredly,Isaytoyou, hewhohearsMywordandbelievesinHimwhosentMehas (#   everlastinglife ,andshallnotcomeintojudgment,buthaspassedfromdeathintolife.  0   PHILIPPIANS1:6 Beingconfidentofthisverything,thatHewhohasbegunagoodworkinyouwillcompleteituntilthe N` dayofJesusChrist;&8$$ 0  YougaveyourhearttoJesus.Youhonestlydesiredtobechanged,tohaveanewheart,toberighteousfromtheinside  out.YouwerebaptizedinHisnameandthenameofHisFather,andthenameoftheSpirit.Youarenowpartofthe  bodyofChrist,Hischurch,Hisbride.YournameiswritteninHeaven,intheBookofLife.Noone,notevenSatan  himself,cantakeyouawayfromyourSavior.Youresafe.Youresecureforever.Right?^p$$ 0  Well,yesandno.  $$ 0  ItseasytoseethataslongasyouwantarelationshipwithHim,ChristyourSaviorwillallownothingtoseverthat " relationship.ButwhathappensifyoushouldturnyourbackonChristandgobacktoalifeofrebellioussinwithout  # regardforGodorfellowman?DoesGodeverhavegroundsfordivorce??n!$$$ Ѐ F"X%  &W %%&@3d  XpvX % &WGODISULTIMATELYCONCERNEDWITHOURFREEDOMOFCHOICE . #0 & Ѐ# &W %X Xpvv# $ !' 0  GodcreatedAdamandEveinHisownimage.Manwasgivenfreewill.Withoutfreewilltherecanbenolove, $ "( forlovebydefinitionmustbefreelygiven.Menarenotandroids,programedtoactwithinnarrowdefined %") parameters.&#*$$ 0  ToGod,thisfreedomofchoicewassoimportantthatHewaswillingtosacrificeHisonlySonratherthancreate Z(l%, manwithoutthisfreedom.TheFatherknewofcourse,thatonedayLuciferwouldrebelagainstHim,neverto 2)D&- return.HeknewthatAdamandEvewouldchoosetodoubtHislove,disobeyHiscommandandeatof thetree.  *'. Heknewthatonlyaportionoftheirdescendantswouldfinallybereconciled.Heknewwhatitwouldtaketowin *'/ themback.AndyetHecreatedbeingswiththefreedomtochoose.+(0$$ ̀ /-5=  &W % % &W@s s <d  XpvX % &WWILLWEBELIEVEANDTRUSTHIM,ORNOT?   # &W %X Xpv5#&W % % &W0  Obedienceisanoutwardsign,aresultofourtrustrelationshipwithGod.IfweloveandtrustourFather,wewill  obeyHimbecausewebelievethatHeknowswhatisbestforus. WhenwedisobeyGod,wearereallysaying,   Idon'tbelieveyou , Ithinkyouarekeepingsomethinggoodfromme.(ThisistherationalethatSatanused fx atthetreeinthegarden.)Yousee,beingsavedisnotjustalegalmanipulation.Beingsavedmeansthatwecome BT totrustGodcompletely.WehaveenteredarelationshipwhichallowsGodtomakechangesinourthoughts, , desires,andactions.$$  X=X %&W  WHATDOESITMEANTOBE SAVED?#&W %XX=#     0  Imsaved,Hesays. Iwillliveforever.SomedayIwillliveinabeautifulcitywithstreetsmadeofgold.f x $$ 0  Yes,thatcanalltrue.Hecanliveforeverinabeautifulplace.Butthereismuchmoretosalvation.Wearesaved (  fromsin󀄀notjustfromdeathandunpleasantness.Wearesavedfromtheselfishnesswithinourownhearts.   ChristHimselfthroughHisSpiritcomestoliveinus.WelivemindtomindwithourSavior.ThroughusHe   poursoutHisgentleness,Hiskindness,Hispatience,Hisunselfishness,Hispower,andHistruthHislove.We   enterintoaliving,dynamicrelationshipwithalivingbeingourLord.v$$ 0  SomepeopleverymuchwanttoliveforeverinHeaven,buttheyarenotsoconcernedwithdaytoday &8 righteousness. Theywanttherewardsbutnotnecessarilytherelationship.Yetitistherelationship  whichleadstothefinalreward.Wecannothaveonewithouttheother.$$  X=X %&WXpvXXX=@  @d CANAMANCHOOSETOLEAVEGOD?   &W %XXpvHEBREWS3:12-14 Beware,brethren,lesttherebeinanyofyou anevilheartofunbelief in departingfromthe bt 0  livingGod ;butexhortoneanotherdaily,whileitiscalled Today,lestanyofyoubehardenedthroughthe >P deceitfulnessofsin.ForwehavebecomepartakersofChristifweholdthebeginningofourconfidencesteadfast * totheend,$$ 0  Theresthatwordagain unbelief.WhatdidJesussay,  If youbelieve.Theabovetextsuggeststhat  onecanbelieveinChrist,andthenbedeceivedintounbelief.TheIsraeliteswhodiedinthewilderness, z couldnotenterintothepromisedlandbecauseof unbelief.Theirdisobediencewasproofoftheir Rd  disbelief.(Hebrews3:19)Ifwebelieve,wewillobey.Ifwerefusetoobey,itisbecausewedonottruly *<! believeintherightnessofGod. "$$ MATTHEW24:13 Buthethatshallendureuntotheend,thesameshallbesaved. !$ IJOHN1:7  If wewalkinthelight....thebloodofJesusChristHisSoncleansesusfromallsin. b#t & ROMANS11:22 ThereforeconsiderthegoodnessandseverityofGod:onthosewhofell,severity;buttowardyou, %&"(   goodness, if youcontinueinHisgoodness.Otherwiseyoualsowillbecutoff. %") IJOHN2:24 Letthatthereforeabideinyou,whichyehaveheardfromthebeginning. If thatwhichyehaveheard '$+ 0  fromthebeginningshallremaininyou,yealsoshallcontinueintheSon,andintheFather.z(%,$$ 0  ThewordsHOLD,WALK,CONTINUE,ABIDE,REMAIN,allsuggestanongoingrelationship,ratherthan **<'. aonetimedecision.Theword ifstressesanongoingchoicebetweenoptions.+(/$$  -*2 IITIMOTHY2:12 XpvX %&W If #&W %XXpv~'#weendure,weshallalsoreignwithHim.IfwedenyHim,Healsowilldenyus.  0   JOHN15:1-6 &W % %&WYouarealreadyclean(saved)becauseofthewordwhichIhavespokentoyou.#&W % %&W](#ԀEverybranchinMe  thatdoesnotbearfruitHetakesaway;XpvX %&W If #&W %XXpvE)#anyonedoesnotabideinMe,heiscastoutasabranchandiswithered;  andtheygatherthemandthrowthemintothefire,andtheyareburned.r$$ 0  Hereclearlyarebelieverswhohavebeen saved.Theyhavebeenforgivenoftheirsins.Theyareclean. "4 YetChristtellsthemthattheywillbecutoffthetreelikeawitheredbranch,and castintothefire,unless   theycontinuetoabideinHim. $$ 0  AgainnoticethewordsENDURE,ANDABIDEarecommandstocontinue.Againtheword ifsuggests    alternatives,andfreechoice.Z l $$ ICORINTHIANS9:27Paulhimselfsaid, ...lestbyanymeans,whenIhavepreachedtoothers,      Imyselfshouldbeacastaway. h (rejected)   0  Ifanyonewasina savedcondition,itwasPaul.TheapostletotheGentilesstoned,imprisoned,   whipped,shipwrecked,allforthecauseofChrist.YetherePaulsaysthereisachancethatevenHecould j| be castaway,ifHedoesnotcontinuetoabideinChrist,andtherebykeepHiscommandments.BT$$ ROMANS11:17-20,21,22SpeakingtoaGentileconvert,Paulsaid, ...someofthebrancheswerebrokenoff,and  0  you...weregraftedin..... Donotbehaughtybutfear,forifGoddidnotsparethenaturalbranchesHemaynot  spareyoueither. ...towardyou,goodness, ifyoucontinue inHisgoodness.Otherwiseyoualsowillbecut  off.|$$ 0   $$ 0  Firstpleasenoticethat some,notall,ofthe naturalbranches(biologicaldescendantsofAbraham) ,> were cutoff becauseofunbelief.GodhasnotbrokenHiscovenantwithIsrael.Hiscovenantwith  AbrahamcontinuestothisdayforanyJewwhocomestobeliefinChrist.PaulheretellstheGentile  convertthatHehasbeengraftedintothetree(thetrueIsraelthebelievingdescendantsofAbraham).He  hasbecomepartofthechurch.HeisblessedofGod.Heissaved.HisnamehasbeenwritteninHeaven.  YetjustliketheunbelievingJews,hecanandwillbecutoffifhedoesnotcontinueinthefaith.dv$$ XpvX %&WXpvXXXpv@``Gd SOMEWILLDEPART  &  &W %XXpvITIMOTHY4:1 ...someshalldepartfromthefaith,givingheedtoseducingspirits " ITIMOTHY5:15 ForsomehavealreadyturnedasideafterSatan. !$ REVELATION2:4(Speakingtothechurchof_Ephesus_) youhaveleftyourfirstlove. Repent L#^ & 0   IIPETER2:20 Forif,aftertheyhaveescapedthepollutionoftheworldthroughtheknowledgeoftheLordand $"( SaviorJesusChrist,theyareagainentangledtherein,andovercome,thelatterendisworsewiththemthanthe %") beginning.&#*$$ 0   IIPETER1:910Petertellsthebrethrentogivealldiligencetotheirgrowthinknowledgeandvirtue, forhewho 4)F&- lacksthesethingsisshortsighted,eventoblindness,andhasforgottenthathewascleansedfromhisoldsins.  *'. Ѐ(Helacksfaith,virtue,knowledge,temperance,patience,godliness,brotherlykindness,charity.) Therefore, *'/ brethren,beevenmorediligenttomakeyourcallingandelectionsure,forifyourdothesethingsyouwill +(0 neverstumble;forsoanentrancewillbesuppliedtoyouabundantlyintotheeverlastingkingdomofourLord ,)1 andSaviorJesusChrist.l-~*2$$ Ї0  Peterhereseemstobesayingthatifonedoesnot givediligenceorattentiontoChristiangrowth,he  couldstumbleandfallawayandtherebyloosehiselectionorentranceintotheeverlastingkingdomof  Christ.Inotherwordshecouldloosehissalvation.$$ 0   HEBREWS10:26 Forifwesin(continuetosin)willfully(witharebelliousattitude)afterwehavereceivedthe N` knowledgeofthetruththereremainethnomoresacrificeforsin.&8$$ 0  (ThisversewasimproperlytranslatedfromtheGreekbecausethereisnopresentparticipleintheGreek.)$$ 0  Thisversedescribestheconditionoftherebelliousandcallousindividual,whogoesonsinningwithouteven    tryingtostop.ThereisnothingthatGodcandoforthisperson,becausehedoesnothatehissin,andhewillnot ^ p  repent.6 H $$ &W % %&W0   EZEKIEL33:13 WhenIsaytotherighteoushewillsurelylive(eternally),andhesotrustsinhisrighteousnessthat   hecommitsiniquity,noneofhisrighteousdeedswillberemembered;butinthatsameiniquityofhiswhichhe   hascommittedhewilldie(theseconddeath). $$ 0  Hereisthemanwhobelievesthathissalvationisafact,whichnothingcanalter.Hehasbeenrighteous FX andwillreceivehisreward.Becausehebelievesthathisrewardiscertain,hebecomescareless.Hedoes 0 notfeelhisneedofcontinuedheavenlysupport.HedoesnotstayclosetoChristorprayforvictory.And  whathappens?He commitsiniquityofcourse.Thetextisclearhewilldieinhisiniquity,withhissin  unforgiven.$$ @G G 9d3&_% %&W 3X[X%3&_WHATHAPPENSWHENARIGHTEOUSMANTURNSAWAY Vh @FdFROMRIGHTEOUSNESS?#3&_%X3X[$C#  BT EZEKIEL18:2627 Whenarighteousmanturnsawayfromhisrighteousness,commitsiniquity,anddies  0  becauseofit,forhisiniquitywhichhehascommittedhewilldie(the seconddeath).$$ 0    Again,whenawickedmanturnsawayfromhiswickednesswhichhehascommittedandpracticesjustice  andrighteous,hewillsavehislife(eternally).(Ezekiel33:1316)$$ 0  NomancanberighteouswithouttheindwellingHolySpirit,sothis righteousmanmustbeinasaving >P relationshipwithGod.Yetifheturnsawayfromrighteousnesshewilldie(eternally).( $$ MALACHI3:7 ReturntoMe,andIwillreturntoyou,SaystheLORDofhosts. "   3X[X%3&_ THEMESSAGESTOTHESEVENCHURCHES #3&_%X3X[zG# N"`% nGREVELATION1:13:22Johntheapostlewasgivenamessageforeachofsevenchurches.Eachmessagewas $$!' 0  givenbyChristHimself.Eachmessagegivesacommand,andeachmessagegivesapromiseofrewardfor $!( thosewhofollowthecommand.%")$$ 0  To Ephesus ,themessageisgivenbytheOne whoholdsthesevenstarsinHisrighthand,whowalksinthe r'$+ midstofthesevengoldenlampstands(Rev.2:1,1:13,20).Thecommandisgiven: Repentanddothefirst N(`%, works...(Rev.2:5).Thepromise: TOHIMWHOOVERCOMES,Iwillgivetoeatfromthetreeoflife, &)8&- whichisinthemidstoftheparadiseofGod(Rev.2:7).)'.$$ 0  0$$TheimpliedmessagewouldbethatwhomeverdoesNOTovercome,willNOTeatofthetreeoflife.+(0$$   ^-p*2 0  To Smyrna ,themessageisgivenby theFirstandtheLast,whowasdeadandcametolife:(Rev.2:8).The   commandisgiven: Befaithfuluntildeath,andIwillgiveyouthecrownoflife(Rev.2:10).Theadditional  statementismade: HEWHOOVERCOMESshallnotbehurtbytheseconddeath(Rev.2:11).$$ 0  0$$TheimplicationthattheonewhoisNOTfaithful,anddoesNOTovercome,willNOTreceivethcrown Rd oflife,andwilldietheseconddeath.Theseconddeathisthe lakeoffire(Rev.20:6,14).*<$$ 0  0$$Rememberthatthesemessageswerenotgiventounbelievers.Theyweregiventothechurches.$$ 0  To Sardis ,themessageisgivenby HewhohasthesevenSpiritsofGodandthesevenstars(Rev.1:16,20).    Thecommand: Bewatchful,andstrengthenthethingswhichremain,thatarereadytodie(Rev.3:2).And f x  thepromise: YouhaveafewnameseveninSardiswhohavenotdefiledtheirgarments;andtheyshallwalk > P  withMeinwhite,fortheyareworthy.HEWHOOVERCOMESshallbeclothedinwhitegarments,andIwill  (  notblotouthisnamefromtheBookofLife;butIwillconfesshisnamebeforeMyFatherandbeforeHis   angels(Rev.3:45). $$ 0  0$$IfChristdoesnotconfessthenameofasinnerbeforeHisFather,thatsinnerwillbelost.Hisnamewill v  beblottedfromtheBookofLife,andhewilldietheseconddeath.(Rev.20:15).Noonewillenterthe N` NewJerusalemwhosnameisnotfoundwrittenintheBookofLife(Rev.21:27).&8$$ 0  To Philadelphia ,themessageisgivenby Hewhoisholy,Hewhoistrue,HewhohasthekeyofDavid,He  whoopensandnooneshuts,andshuts,andnooneopens(Rev.3:7,1:11,18).Thecommandisgivento   Holdfastwhatyouhave,thatnoonemaytakeyourcrown(Rev.3:11).Thepromise: HEWHO  OVERCOMES,IwillmakehimapillarinthetempleofMyGod,andheshallgooutnotmore.AndIwill bt writeonhimthenameofMyGodandthenameofthecityofMyGod,theNewJerusalem,whichcomesdown :L outofheavenfromMyGod.AndIwillwriteonhimMynewname(Rev.3:12).$$$ 0  0$$The crownherereferredtoisthe crownoflife.Toreceivethiscrownistoreceiveeternallife.  The keyofDavidisthekeytolifeeternallife(Rev.1:18).$$ 0  To _Laodicea_ ,themessageisagaingivenbyChrist, theAmen,theFaithfulandTrueWitness,theBeginning J\ ofthecreationofGod;(Rev.3:14).Tocommand: buyfromMegold,and whitegarments,and eye &8 salve.Hearmyvoiceandopenthedoor(Rev.3:1821).Thepromise: andIwillcomeintohimanddine   withhim,andhewithMe(Rev.3:21). TohimwhoovercomesIwillgranttositwithMeonMythrone,as ! IalsoovercomeandsatdownwithMyFatheronHisthrone(Rev.3:21)."$$ 0  0$$AnyonewhorefusestoopenhishearttoChristwillnotreceiveeternallife.󀀀^!p$$$   3X[X%3&_ THELAMBSBOOKOFLIFE #3&_%X3X[q[# # & e[0   REVELATION21:27 Butthereshallbynomeansenteritanythingthatdefiles,orcausesanabominationora $!( lie,butonly thosewhoarewrittenintheLamb'sBookofLife .%")$$ 0   LUKE10:20 Neverthelessdonotrejoiceinthis,thatthespiritsaresubjecttoyou,butratherrejoicebecause your ^'p$+ namesarewritteninheaven .:(L%,$$ HEBREWS12:23 ButyouhavecometoMountZionandtothecityofthelivingGod,theheavenlyJerusalem, )'. 0  toaninnumerablecompanyofangels,tothegeneralassemblyand churchofthefirstbornwhoare *'/ registeredinheaven ,toGodtheJudgeofall,tothespiritsofjustmenmadeperfect,toJesustheMediator +(0 ofthenewcovenant...~,)1$$  ..@+3 0   PHILIPPIANS4:3 AndIurgeyoualso,truecompanion,helpthesewomenwholaboredwithmeinthegospel,  withClementalso,andtherestofmyfellowworkers, whosenamesareintheBookofLife .$$ 0   0$$  REVELATION12:18 Allwhodwellontheearthwillworshiphim(thebeast),whose nameshavenotbeen z writtenintheBookofLifeoftheLambslainfromthefoundationoftheworld .(Rev.17:8)Vh$$ REVELATION20:15 Andanyone notfoundwrittenintheBookofLife wascastintothelakeoffire.   0   REVELATION22:19 ...andifanyonetakesawayfromthewordsofthebookofthisprophecy(Revelation)   , GodshalltakeawayhispartfromtheBookofLife ,fromtheholycity,andfromthethingswhichare    writteninthisbook.r  $$ REVELATION3:5 Hewhoovercomes...Iwillnot blotouthisnameoutoftheBookofLife . " 4  0  Ournameiswrittenin theLambsbookoflifewhenwecometoGodinrepentanceandfaithwhenwe   enterintothecovenant.Wereceiveforgiveness.Thewords blotouthisname,and takeawayhispart   tellusthatitispossibleforustoloosesalvationandeternallife.Oncesavedalwayssavedisnottaught   here.^p$$    3X[X%3&_ LASTRITESLASTMINUTESALVATION#3&_%X3X[mf#    afAmafiadonkeepsapriestclosebyfor emergencies.Canthemass,administeredbyapriestjustbefore,oreven  justafterdeath,gainaplaceinHeavenforonewhocommittedmurderaftermurderinlife,withnothoughtof  reform?  ThethiefonthecrossaskedforandreceivedassuranceofaplaceinChristskingdom(Luke23:42,43).Doesthis 2D meanthatanyoneofusmayaskforandreceiveforgivenessandsalvationinthelastmomentsofourlife?   OnlyGodknowstheheart.Ifthepersonwhoisdyingisaskingforabsolutionjustsothathe/shewillgotothe  goodplaceinsteadofthebadplacethentheanswerisno.Ontheotherhand,ifthatpersonisgenuinelysorryfor  hissin,ifhehastrulycaughtaglimpseofthegreatloveofGod,ifhegreatlydesiresarelationshipwithGodand j| withHisSonforalleternity,thentheanswerisyes. BT Ѐ ,     3X[X%3&_REASSURANCE#3&_%X3X[Mk#  ! AkThehumanmindcannotlivewiththethoughtofburningtormentwithoutend.Theindividualseeksreassurance  # that,nomatterwhathappens,nomatterwhathedoesordoesnotdointhefuture,hewillnevergo there.This !$ iswhythe oncesavedalwayssaveddoctrineissoimportanttothosewhobelievethereisaplacecalled Hell. f"x% OtherstudiesatthiswebsitewillexplainthatGodwillnotsendanyonetoaplacecalled hell,tobetorturedfor $"( eternity.See: TheConditionofManinDeath,and HellWho?What?When?Where?Why?Pleasebe %") assuredGoddoesnotbelieveincruelorunusualpunishmentanymorethanyoudo. &#*  6.H+3   3X[X%3&_ CONSIDERAFEWEXAMPLESOFPERSONS  WHOWEREINARIGHTRELATIONSHIPWITHGOD,ANDTHENFELLAWAY.  SOMEREPENTEDANDWERERESTOREDAGAIN,SOMEWERENOT.   #3&_%X3X[o#o David :  0  PSALM51:11 takenotThyHolySpiritfromme.fx$$     v.12 RestoreuntomethejoyofThysalvation. >P  KingSaul :  ( 0  ISAMUEL10:6,9SaulwasfilledwiththeHolySpiritandprophesied.Hewasconverted. $$     v.9 Godgavehimanotherheart.      ISAMUEL31:1-6Saulcommittedsuicideratherthanbecapturedbytheenemy.      ISAMUEL28:6,16TheLordrefusedtocommunicatewithSaul. z      v.16TheLordhaddepartedfromSaul. R d    ISAMUEL28:7-25Saulconsultedwiththespiritmediumof_Endor_. *<    ICHRONICLES10:13,14 foraskingcounselofonethathadafamiliarspirit,toinquireofit:   ЀHe(God)slewhim.   0   Solomon : $$ 0  HeclosetotheLordwhenhebeganhisreignasking.Thenhemarriedmanyheathenwivesandtheyturned  hisheartawayfromGodandhebuiltalterstotheirfalsegods.InhisoldagehereturnedtoGodbutnotintime fx tosavethekingdomofIsraelfromtheresultofhisinfluence.>P$$  Judas :  0  HewalkedwithJesusforthreeyears,andacceptedhimastheMessiah.Thenhebetrayedhim.$$  MaryMagdalene : z 0  Savedseventimes.(Mark16:9)Vh$$ Theparableof theProdigalSon :  0  Hewasfreetoleaveagainifhechose.(Luke15:11-32)$$ 0    $$ @Ed3X[X%3&_ THECITIESOFREFUGE  j| 3&_%X3X[Whenamurdererfledtoa cityofrefugehewassafefromthe avengerofbloodonlysolongasheremained BT! insidethecity.(Numbers35:26-27).Ifheventuredoutside,theavengercouldkillhim.SowearesafefromSatan  ,"  thedestroyeronlysolongasweremaininChristourRefuge.  # &W %%3&_   WHATDOESTHESANCTUARYSYMBOLISMTELLUS?  "% &{ThesacrificialsystempointedforwardtoChrist theLambofGodwhowassacrificedonceforthesinsofthewhole R$d!' world.EachtimeanIsraelitesinnedhecouldbringalambtotheSanctuary(latertheTemple)andobtainforgiveness. *%<"( HewouldconfesshissinovertheheadoftheLamb,symbolicallytransferringthatsintotheLamb.3&_% %&WIfcomingto &#) Christonceissufficientforalloursinspast,present,andfuture,thenthesacrificeofonelambonceinhislife &#* shouldhaveprovidedforgivenessforlife,fortheIsraelite.Butthiswasnotthecase. '$+ UnconfessedsininthelifeofanIsraeliteontheDayofAtonementmeantseparationfromGod'speople.Soin b)t&- fulfilmentofthisprophecy,unconfessedsininthelifeofanypersonattheendofhis/herlife(oratthelastDay :*L'. ofAtonementthedayofChristsreturn)meansthathe/shewillbe cutofffromGodspeople(atleastforthe +$(/ periodofthe_millenium_). +(0  -*2 ChristsdeathonthecrosswonforHimtherighttoforgiveanyonewhocomestoHiminfaith.Hisdeathcovers  allsinsofignorance(Lev.5:1719,John9:41).Yes,Christdiedonceforallsin,foralltime,buteachtimewesin  knowinglywemustaskforandclaimthatforgivenessinthenameofChrist.Wecannotaskinadvancetobe  forgivenforourfuturesins.(ThiswastheRomanpracticeofbuyingindulgencesforgivenessinadvance,which v causedLuthertolashoutattheRomanChurch.)Beforewecanbeforgiven,wemusthateoursin,wemustbe N` sorryforthepainwehavebroughttotheheartofGod,andtoourfellowmen. &8    3X[X%3&_ITISADAILYCHOICE .#3&_%X3X[a#  U0   LUKE9:23 ThenHesaidtothemall,IfanyonedesirestocomeafterMe,lethimdenyhimself,andtakeuphis    crossdaily,andfollowMe.v  $$ ICORINTHIANS15:31 Idiedaily. & 8  &W %%3&_@//Bd 3&_% %&W3X[X%3&_ONCESAVEDALWAYSSAVED?#3&_%X3X[d#    MATTHEW18:23-35THEPARABLEOFTHEDEBTOR   0  Sinsare forgivenandcoveredwhenconfessedandforsaken .SolongasthesinnerremainsinChrist,his J\ pastsinsremaincoveredandforgiven.Ifhowever,thispersonreturnstohisformerlifewithoutChrist,his &8 sins,pastandpresentwillbeopeninthebooksofHeaven.Hewillmeettherecordofhisentirelifeon  judgmentday.$$ 0  Thislessonistaughtintheparableoftheunmercifulservant,whoafterhehadbeenforgivenhisentiredebt,  (beensaved)dealtharshlywithhisdebtors,andtheLordthenrequiredhimtopayallthathadoncebeen ^p forgivenhim.6H$$ 0  IfforgivenesswereobtainedbydoingsomethingtocoaxGodintoforgivingus,thenitwouldalsobe  truethatwecandothingsthatwouldcauseGodtochangeHismind. Butifforgivenessisdiscovered  asanunchangingqualityintheheartofGod,thenthewaytoloseforgivenessistoseparateoneselffromthis  forgivingGod.(Seethestudyon TheWrathofGodatthiswebsite.)r$$   (1)Icanbecomesorebellions,sodrawnbythecheapattractionsofsin,thatIdon'tcareaboutforgiveness. "4    (2)Icanbecomesoselfrighteous,soimpressedwithmygoodworks,thatIdon'tthinkIneedforgiveness.  !     (3)IcanbesosmittenbyguiltthatSatanconvincesmetothinkGodcouldneverforgivesuchasinnerasI.  #   (4)0  IcanbecomeabsorbedinthecaresofthislifeandbecomesobusythatIforgetaboutGodandmy0@ #dgeofa0@ #$$0@ #$$ !$ relationshipwithJesus.Z"l%$$   ButineachcaseIamtheonewhohaschanged.Godhasnotchanged.  $!' 0  This,ofcourse,istheweaknessofthe oncesaved,alwayssaveddoctrine.Itisbasedonthepremise %") thatonceGodhasdecidedtoforgiveasinner,HewillneverchangeHismind.Theproblemis,God &#* doesnotchangeHismind;wedo!Thesinproblemdoesn'tcenterinGod'sopinionofman,butin j'|$+ man'sopinionofGod.B(T%,$$ Ѐ  ),&- 0  Godisforgiveness.HecannotbeuntruetoHimself.TherewasneverapointintimewhenDivinitydecided )'. toforgivesinners. ForIamtheLord,Ichangenot.(_Malachi_Ԁ3:6)Godforgavemanbeforeheeversinned. *'/ Godforgaveallmanbeforemankindwascreated.Butmanmustacceptthatforgiveness,andenteracovenant +(0 relationshipwithGod,beforehecanreceiveitslifegivingpower.z,)1$$    *.<+3 0  ThereisanotherdeceptionintowhichmanyChristiansfall.Itis thesinofpresumption .Manycometo  believethatGodissoforgivingthatHewillcontinuetoforgivethem,nomatterhowlongtheycontinueto  repeattheirsin.Aslongastheyaskforforgivenessoverandover,theycansin,overandover.Thisdeception  isdeadly,becausetheyhaveignoredtheneedforrepentance.Davidsaid, IfIregardsininmyheart,theLord z willnothearme(Psalm66:18)..Confessionisnotenough.Repentanceisalsonecessary.Torepentmeans Rd  toturnaround.Itmeanstostopdoingwhatyouweredoing.Thosewhobelievethatconfessionisenough, *< neverreallyplantochange.TheyneveraskGodforthepowertochange.TheydenyChristentranceintotheir  heartsandtheirlives.$$ ROMANS6:16 Youaretheslavesoftheoneyouobey.      0  IfIwillfully,blatantlysinthenIamSatan'sslave.IfIsay, forgiveme,butthenIrefusethesavingpower : L  ofGod,whichwouldchangemylife,IdenyGodHimself.Irefusetheessenceofforgivenesswhichis  $  healing,andIamlost. $$   3X[X%3&_ BYGRACEYOUARESAVED,THROUGHFAITH #3&_%X3X[#      WEMUSTBELIEVE  ^p 3X[X%3&_Ifwelosefaith,weloosesalvation.#3&_%X3X[Ř# 6H 0   JOHN20:31 ...butthesearewrittenthatyoumaybelievethatJesusistheChrist,theSonofGod,andthat    believingyoumayhavelife inHisname.$$ ACTS16:31 Sotheysaid, BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andyouwillbesaved, youandyour (#   household." bt MARK16:16" Hewhobelievesandisbaptizedwillbesaved ;buthewhodoesnotbelievewillbecondemned. $ 0   MARK9:2324 Jesussaidtohim," Ifyoucanbelieve,allthingsarepossibletohimwhobelieves ."  Immediatelythefatherofthechildcriedoutandsaidwithtears,"Lord,Ibelieve;helpmyunbelief!"$$ 0   ROMANS11:2021 Wellsaid.Becauseofunbelieftheywerebrokenoff,andyoustandbyfaith.Donotbe Rd haughty,butfear.ForifGoddidnotsparethenaturalbranches,Hemaynotspareyoueither.*< $$ 0   HEBREWS3:1214 Beware,brethren,lesttherebeinanyofyouanevilheartofunbeliefindepartingfromthe " livingGod;butexhortoneanotherdaily,whileitiscalled"Today,"lestanyofyoubehardenedthroughthe  # deceitfulnessofsin.ForwehavebecomepartakersofChristifweholdthebeginningofourconfidence !$ steadfasttotheend.b"t%$$ HEBREWS3:19 Soweseethatthey(Israel)couldnotenter(intoCanaan)inbecauseofunbelief. $$!' HEBREWS11:6 ButwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseHim,for hewhocomestoGodmustbelievethat %") 0  Heis,andthatHeisa_rewarder_ԀofthosewhodiligentlyseekHim .&#*$$ 0  IfyoudonotbelievethatyourHeavenlyFathercanhelpyou,willhelpyou,andinfactdesiresverymuchto R(d%, helpyou,thenyouwillnotreachouttoHim.Youwillnotpray.Youwillnotask,andGodwillnotenteryour *)<&- mindwithoutyourpermission.Hewillnotviolateyourfreewill.*'.$$ 0  WemustbelievethatJesusisindeedtheSonofGod.WemustbelievethatHecanandwillforgiveoursins. +(0 WemustbelievethatHecanandwillliveinus,andgiveuspowertoovercomeanyinheritedorcultivated ,)1 tendencytosin.ThisfaithopensthedoortoGodshealingforgiveness.b-t*2$$ 0  IfIdenythepowerofGodtoovercomeeverysin,IamsayingthatGod'spowerinmylifeisinsufficient.I  haveclosedthedoor.$$ 0  Thereisnoneedtobelost.Paulwrote, IcandoallthingsthroughChristwhostrengthensme(_Philippians_ v 4:13). WithGodnothingisimpossible(Luke1:37). WhatHehaspromised,Heisabletoperform(Romans N` 4:21). YouareofGod,littlechildren,andhaveovercomethem,becauseHewhoisinyouisgreaterthanhe &8 whoisintheworld(1John4:4).$$   Forgivenessismorethanalegalmaneuver.Salvationismorethanatickettothecitywithgoldenstreets.   0   $$ 0  Godcanandwillchangeyourlife.Butyoumustrespond.Youmustchoosewhomyouwillbelieve.Ifyou ^ p  oncehadfaithandsomehowlostthatconfidenceinGod,goandfinditagain.Search,read,prayuntilyoufind 6 H  ituntilyoufindHim. $$ 0  Andremember,faithtooispromised(1Cor12:9). $$ @ddOd 3X[X%3&_  ONLYBELIEVE#3&_%X3X[_#  n  ~ACTS16:31Sotheysaid,"BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andyouwillbesaved,youandyourhousehold." 2D 0  _NKJV_ $$ JAMES2:19YoubelievethatthereisoneGod.Youdowell. Eventhedemonsbelieve 󄄀andtremble!_NKJV_  0  InwhatwaydoesthebeliefofachildofGoddifferfromthatofademon?Demonswillnotbesavedinthe n kingdomofGodyetwereadthatthey believe.DemonsknowwhoGodis.TheyknowHedoesexist. FX TheyknowHeisallpowerful.Theyalsoknowthattheyhavelostthebattleforthisworld.Christwillsoon 0 banishSatantothepit.ThebeliefheldbythechildofGodgoesbeyondknowingwhatisandwhatwillbe.$$ Ѐ  0  First:ThechildofGodbelievescertainthingsaboutthecharacterofGod.He/shebelievesthatGodislove,  thatGodiskind,patient,andmerciful.~$$ Ѐ0  Second:InthechildofGodbeliefleadstoobedience.His/herobediencesays,IbelievethatGodisjust,and .@ holy,andgood,andknowswhatisbestforme.ThechildofGodhassurrendered,becausehe/shebelieves   inthegoodnessofGod.!$$ 3X[X%3&_  NEVERREALLYSAVED #3&_%X3X[# " د0  SupposeIreturntoalifeofsinafterIhavebeenbaptized,afterIhavemadeacommitmenttoChrist.Many z!$ ChristianswouldsaythisactiononmypartindicatesthatIwasnever reallysaved.Theybelievethatifa R"d% personissavedheISchangedandwillneverreturntohisoldlife.*#< &$$ 0  Whatdoesthismeantome,ifImouttheresinningagain?IfImsleepingwithsomeonewithoutbenefitof $!( marriagewasIneverreallysaved?IfIbecomeaddictedtodrugsandbegintostealwasIneverreally %") saved?WhatifIamenviousofacoworker?WantifIgossipfrequently?AtwhatpointdoIknowthatIwas &#* never reallysaved,soIdbettergobackanddoitrightthistime?IfIcommit bigsins,then,forsure,Iwas b't$+ neverreallysaved.ButwhatifIcommit littlesins?:(L%,$$ 0  Salvationisaprocess.Iambeingsaved .Daybydayhourbyhour,Iamgrowingingrace.Ihaveentered )&. arelationshipwithmySavior.Imayslipandfallmanytimes,butsolongasIcontinuetopray,toaskfor *'/ forgivenessdesiringtobecomelikeChristincharacter,Ihavenotleftthatrelationship.(Letsfaceit,because +(0 oftemperamentortraining,somefolksfinditeasiertoactlikeaChristianthanothersdo.)IfIweretodie v,)1 beforeIhavereachedfullmaturity,Christsrighteousnesswouldcovermyimperfections,andIwouldbe N-`*2 welcomeinHeaven.&.8+3$$ Ї0  IhavesaidthatIconsidermyselftobeinasavedconditionnow,becauseIhaveenteredintoasaving  relationshipwithChrist.Icouldcomfortablysay, Iamsaved,oreven Ihavebeensaved.Idonot,  however,believethatIamirrevocablysaved.Imayrevokemysalvation,ifIchoosetoleavemyrelationship  withChrist.v$$ 0  Justasmarriagessometimesdiethroughneglect,somyrelationshipwithChristcoulddieifseverelyneglected. &8 SupposeIjustchoosetopursuethingsotherthanspiritualgrowth.(ImnotopenlyrebellioustowardsGod.  IhaventconsciouslyturnedawayfromHim.)Theendresultisthesame.Doubtscreepin,slowlyalmost  imperceptibly.OnedayIrealizemyfaithisgone.Icanchoosetogoinsearchofevidencetorestoremyfaith.   LiketheprodigalsonIcanreturntotheFathershouse.ButthelongerIsayaway,thegreaterthelikelihood    thatIwilleverreturn.^ p $$  3X[X%3&_  HOWCANTHEUNIVERSEBESECURE?#3&_%X3X[ۻ#    0  Howcantheuniversebesecureforeternityifhumanbeings,orangelsforthatmatter,canchoosetorebel?   Thatswhytheresolutionofthesinproblemhastakensolong.Godwantedallintelligentbeingstoseefor   themselvestheresultsofdoingthingsanyotherwaythanHisway.Hewantedtoanswereverypossible   questionwhichhas,oreverwillbeaskedconcerningHischaracter,Hislaw,Hismercy,andHisjustice.God Zl allowedthehorribleresultsofrebellion,HethengaveHisonlybegottenSon,becauseHeiscommittedtofree 2D will.Forwithoutfreewill,therecanbenolove. $$   3X[X%3&_ EPHESIANS2:8 #3&_%X3X[c#  WEPHESIANS2:8 Forbygrace youhavebeensaved throughfaith,andthatnotofyourselves;itisthegiftof ~ 0  God._NKJV_,NAS(similarwordinginNIVandNASB)Zl$$ 0  Thewords youhavebeensavedinthisverseareusedbymanyChristianstosupportthedoctrineof once   savedalwayssaved.Thewords havebeenaretranslatedfromtheGreek este(#2075).Thewordis  translated82timesas are,5timesas be,1timeas belongto,and1timeas havebeenintheKJV.The  wordispresenttense,anddoesnotnecessarilypointtosomethingwhichhappenedinthepast.Theversecould  beparaphrased thisishowyouaresavedthroughfaith.j|$$ 0  ComparethePhillips: Foritisbygracethatyouaresaved,throughfaith, $$ 0  0$$NewEnglish: Foritisbyhisgraceyouaresaved,!$$     Amplified: Foritisbyfreegrace(Godsunmeritedfavor)thatyouaresaved " 0  0$$KingJames: Forbygraceareyesavedthroughfaith; #$$   0  Intheparableofthesower,theseedwhichfellonstonyground,andtheseedwhichfellamongthornsdid R"d% sproutandbegintogrow.Christexplainedthatthepersonrepresentedbytherockyground,firstreceivedthe *#< & word(seed)withjoy,butlatertheyoungplantdiedbecauseitdidnotputdownaroot(Matthew13,Mark4, $!' Luke8).$!($$ 0  Theworddidhaveaneffect.Itsproutedandbegantogrow.Thepersonrepresentedbythethornyground, &#* receivedtheword(seed) withjoy.Onlylaterwasitchokedoutbythethorns(thecaresoflife,persecution, b't$+ temptationandtrial).Thesoilrepresentstheconditionoftheheartormind,andthisispersonalchoice.( Do :(L%, nothardenyourheartsHebrews3:8.))$&-$$ 3X[X%3&_   -*2 THEAORISTTENSE #3&_%X3X[H#  g0  IntheEnglishlanguagewehave presenttense(Irun.), pasttense(Iran.), futuretense(Iwillrun.)$$ 0  IntheGreekthereisanothertense,whichwedonthaveintheEnglish.Itisadifficulttensetotranslateinto  English.Averbwrittenintheaoristtensemeansthataprocess,oranactionhasbegun,which,ifitcontinues, bt willendinacompletedactionoreffect.Letmegiveafewexamples.:L$$ EPHESIANS1:13 ...inwhom(Christ)also,havingbelieved,youwere sealed withtheHolySpiritofpromise.  &R%%3&_%&R#3##3&_%3#0  Theword sealedisintheaoristtense.Roughlytranslateditmeans, youweresealingtobesealedor you    beganthesealingprocessandwillbesealed(perfecttense)ifyoucontinuetheprocess.\ n $$ 0  Theword savedastranslatedfromtheGreek,intheNewTestament,iswritteninthe aoristtense,the     presenttense,the futuretense,andthe perfecttense.Yetinalmosteveryinstance,thetranslationsimply   reads saved. $$ LUKE18:42TotheblindmanJesussaid, Receiveyoursight.Yourfaithhas saved you._NRS_ l~    0  Heretheword savedisintheperfecttense.Themanwasperfectlyhealed.AndhereIhavetopointoutthat  2 theGreekfor madewellandthewordfor savedistheSAMEword.Thisshouldhelpusunderstandwhat   ittrulymeanstobesaved.Itistobehealed.$$ TITUS3:5 notbyworksofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone,butaccordingtoHismercyhe saved us,through  0  thewashingofregenerationandrenewingoftheHolySpirit._NKJ_\n$$ 0  AndhereinTitus3:5,theword savediswrittenintheaoristtense,meaningChristis savingustobesaved.   TheprocessbegunWILLresultina saved(perfecttense)condition,ifitcontinues.$$ 0  Mypointhere,issimplytosaythatjustbecauseawordtranslatedfromGreektoEnglishhasan edonthe  end,doesnotmeanthatitsignifiesacompletedaction.l~$$     3X[X%3&_PERFECTION:ISITNECESSARYFORSALVATION?#3&_%X3X[#  .   IfyouarecoveredbytherighteousnessofChrist,thenyouAREperfectintheeyesofGod. ! 0  IfyouareabidinginChrist,ifyouhavearelationshipwithGod,andyouarebeingtransformedintothe  # imageofHisSon,thenyouareindeedinasavedcondition.Ifyouweretodietoday,youwouldbecalled h!z$ fromthegravebyChrist,in theresurrectionofthejust. Becauseonehasnotreachedfullmaturityin @"R% Christdoesnotmeanhe/sheisnotrighteousintheeyesofGod,throughChrist.AnewbornChristianis #. & indeedcoveredbythebloodofChristsolongashe/sheremainsinthatsavingrelationship.#!'$$ 0  AfriendrecentlypointedouttomethattheNewCovenantpromiseofEzekiel36willNOTbe %") fullyrealizeduntilwereachthepromisedland. |&#*$$ EZEKIEL36:2428 ForIwilltakeyoufromamongthenations,gatheryououtofallcountries, andbring ,(>%, 0  youintoyourownland . 3X[X%3&_THEN#3&_%X3X[D# Iwillsprinklecleanwateronyou,andyoushallbeclean;Iwillcleanse )&- youfromallyourfilthinessandfromallyouridols.IwillputMySpiritwithinyouandcauseyoutowalk )'. inMystatutes,andyouwillkeepMyjudgmentsanddothem.ThenyoushalldwellinthelandthatIgave *'/ toyourfathers;youshallbeMypeople,andIwillbeyourGod.+(0$$ 0  Ifyouvebeenworriedbecauseyourenotyeta perfectChristian,takeheart.GodwillkeepHis T-f*2 promise.______