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DOES THE BIBLE TEACH
“ONCE SAVED
ALWAYS SAVED”
In this article we will be looking at a concept that has been lost among many disciples today and is in direct conflict with the teaching that no matter how you live once you are a Christian you will still be saved when Jesus comes for his own. That is the concept of holiness. We are told by the writer of the Hebrew letter that as children of God we are to; “Strive for peace with all men and for the holiness without which no-one will see the Lord.” Heb.12:14 Based upon what the writer says here I think it is safe to assume that this “holiness” is a requirement that must be met by all those who wish to see the Lord. It is also evident that he is not speaking of visually looking at Jesus for all will do that upon his return, even those who crucified him. Rev.1:7 Is it safe to say that he is saying “see him” in the sense of being with him, having fellowship and communion with him? Is it in the same sense as Matt.5:8 where Jesus says; “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”? The answer to both questions is a resounding yes!. It behooves us then to try and get at and understand what the writer is saying when he uses the word “holiness.” The basic meaning of the word is “different.” God told his ancient people, the Jews, “For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; you shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” Lev.11:45 In the New Testament we find basically the same instructions given to the disciples of Christ and a good explanation of what this “holiness” is to be. The apostle Peter in writing to the brethren says the following; “Therefore; prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, (there’s that word) so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Pet.1:13-16 N.I.V. So, what is this “holiness”? It is a preparing of the mind for Christian action. It is the practice of self control. It is the renouncing of and the overcoming of the sinful desires we had before we became the children of God. It is a life that overcomes the ignorance we have formerly lived in when “if it felt good do it.” As stated earlier it is being “different.” This we must be to be “saved” eternally. We are not to be the person we once were. Different means I can’t think like I once did. Different means I can’t talk like I once did. Different means I can’t curse like I once did. Different means I can’t abuse alcohol or the other drugs as I once did. Different means I can’t jump in bed with every member of the opposite sex I see, as I once did. I can’t cheat on my taxes, violate the speed laws, gossip about others, turn my back on the hungry , the hopeless and the helpless as I once did, and on we could go but if you don’t get the point by now you probably won’t. If we act the same as before where is the difference? The God we profess to serve is HOLY (different). Don’t expect to “see” him if you are anything less!!!!!!!!! Heb.12:14 Written in love,
Gerald
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