here is a post from the other thread, stating my opinions on the issue, they are, as is usual for most of my views, they are the minority... but I rejoice, because the road to destruction is wide, and the way to truth is narrow.... and since I have the minority opinion here, that just MUST mean I have the truth (or, that is the way many would argue here, I am just being sarcastic
lol....) anyways...I disagree with OSAS, not with the Preservation of the Saints....many want to say that if a person says a prayer, walks down an aisle to an altar call, raises their hand one time at an evangelists tent meeting, etc etc etc... That this means they are eternally saved no matter how they live their lives.... not true!!! a true converted Christian does not want to continue to sin or want to live a sinful lifestyle... of course we all do sin, but what is a person's heart like after sinning? is it broken over displeasing God? Is it repentant? This is the Christian's heart.A person does not become a Christian and then lose their salvation every time they sin. So the issue is not sin per se, for every single Christian sins and will continue to sin throughout their lives. But rather, what is their attitude towards their sin, that is the question.But I believe the bible teaches that those who are truly Christ's can never ever be totally lost. Jesus promises that those who are His will not be lost, in fact, Jesus said that only those who are like Judas, sons of destruction or perdition, will be lost... John 17:7-12 (ESV) 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled."..... how much more secure could you be!?!? And since salvation was never merely the result of our willing in the first place, Romans 9:14-16 (ESV) 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy."...... but is rather of God choosing us, not our choosing God, Romans 9:18 (ESV) So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills."..... salvation is secure because God does not change His mind once He chooses someone to be His child, He does not rescind on His promises and then suddenly say "you are no longer my child".If a person's initial salvation is all of grace, due to God's choosing us rather than our choosing Him, though of course we do choose God, but we only do so when God gives us the ability to come to Him.... John 6:44 (ESV) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day." and John 6:64-65 (ESV) 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”then a person persevering to the end is also all of grace, Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV) 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."...and since neither of these things can be done on our own without grace, then salvation is secure, not because we hold on to God, but because He holds on to us.so "Once Saved Always Saved" as defined above is a false doctrine, but the preservation of the saints is true doctrine...blessings,ken