EO Responds To
Emails 06-07-09
(EMAIL) Yes! I realized many years ago that "once saved, always saved" is a false doctrine. If it's impossible to "fall away" from grace, why are we almost constantly being cautioned against it in the NT?
I have a commentary which claims Heb. 6:4-6 is one of the most difficult passages in the Bible to interpret, but that's only because it clearly teaches one can be truly saved (a better description of a believer can hardly be found elsewhere in Scripture) and then fall away. If anything, this passage seems to indicate the opposite of "eternal security"...!
And what about John 12:42? If one moment of "faith alone" were enough to save men permanently, wouldn't these cowardly slaves to public opinion be saved? But we know what our Savior said about those who were ashamed of him and his words (Luke 9:26).
To me, one of the most difficult passages for the eternal-security crowd must be "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12, NIV).
You mention Gal. 6:9. If our salvation were a "done deal" at the first moment we believed, how could it make any sense to say, "Let's not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest—if we do not give up" (ISV)? Funny how in every other area of life we understand the meaning of the word "if" ("if you clean up your room, you can go to the movies," "if you work all week, you will be paid," etc.) but only in Bible study do all those "big ifs" seem to confuse so many! Not to mention James 2:14-24. After all, "even the demons believe" (v. 19)....
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Your email was a blessing to read. It is great (and necessary) to be reminded of truths like those which are related to salvation and seldom heard. It is apparent that you have been carefully reading the Bible or you wouldn’t know those things. Just going to the so-called “church” of our day would mean verses like those will somehow be avoided or distorted into meaningless words.
As the USA and the world continue to deteriorate, may all Christians (martyrs) hold forth God’s eternal truths for the sake of others (and our own sakes too).... GOD BLESS YOU.
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(EMAIL) There are several 'Christian' beliefs that trouble me. Your response is important to me. Please review the following; (1) There are many different versions of the Bible, and yet there is only one God (one Word). How do we know which biblical interpretation to believe and follow? (2) Is the 'Godhead' (Isaiah 44:6?) equal to 'The Trinity' (The Father, The Word & The Holy Ghost....or....The Father, The Son & The Holy Ghost)? (3) It almost appears, that some of the N/T scripture is telling us that Jesus Christ created all things, and yet other parts of the N/T appears to tell us that The Lord God Almighty (The Father of Jesus Christ), created all things. (4) Who is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings (Our father in heaven, or His Son Jesus Christ)? (5) Does 'The Word' in Revelation refer to The Lord God Almighty, or His Son Jesus Christ, or both? (6) What really happened on the cross, that made Jesus cry out? Some ministers teach that The Lord God Almighty could not face the sin that Jesus took upon Himself, and thus turned away for a moment (ie. leaving Jesus sort of hanging there). I have a hard time believing the ministers' explanation. God has faced man's sins since He created man, and it was His doing, that provided us with Christ's sacrifice, in order to 'reconcile' His Kingdom. (7) It is written, that The Son must reconcile His Kingdom before submitting Himself and His Kingdom unto The Father. This adds more confusion, to item #2 (above). The Lord's prayer tells us that it is our Father in heaven's Kingdom that is coming. It almost appears, that there are 'two' levels of Father and Son. Your 'input' would be very greatly appreciated. Thank you.
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. (1) If you compare various translations it will be apparent which are strangely different. Another way to find accuracy is to get a couple Greek-English Interlinears and read the English rendering under the Greek words. Try Green’s and Marshall’s. (2, 3) Throughout Scripture you will run into many verses about God which seem to contradict other verses UNLESS one believes in the Trinity, which is NOT a belief in 3 gods, but a belief in the ONE true God of the Bible, who exists in 3 separate and distinct persons. (4) Jesus. See also the answer for 2 and 3. (5) The Lord Jesus, who is Almighty (Rev. 1:8; Mt. 28:18). (6) The Bible doesn’t clearly say. Therefore, all are just taking an educated guess at best. (7) Submission does NOT mean inferiority! Jesus is God by NATURE, like you and I are human by NATURE. Remember this about God: He had no beginning and existed even before creation! That alone is a mind blow to us. No person fully understands the God of the Bible. What makes it more confusing for some is that Jesus is both God AND MAN. Heretics, like the Jehovah’s Witnesses, focus in upon his humanity and deny his deity, which is terrible. His dual nature is also too hard for us to understand. Don’t get hung up on trying to figure out every detail about God. Find out about SALVATION and put God’s word into practice. GOD BLESS YOU.
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(EMAIL) Thank you for your feedback and biblical references. I know that we are told to not forsake the assembling of the saints together. There were alot of problems in the new testament churches as well....
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. You are right we are not to forsake assembling with other SAINTS, but other Scriptures tell us:
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial ? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” (2 Cor 6:14-17)
Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.” (Rev 18:4,5)
...May God bless you. Heb. 3:14.
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(EMAIL) Peace be with you! I agree with you. I am getting ready to graduate this month. The more I study the word of God, even in a Baptist (nondenominational seminary) the more I am convinced that they are lacking and have not convinced otherwise ( but did spend a lot of money) I would like to know what your answer is to one of my initial questions How does one / I know that he/she is is spirit filled? How do I get to be one of the 5 virgins that has oil in her candle waiting for the bridegroom? Jesus is coming soon and I do not want to be left behind. Thank you
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. There is NO doubt that any seminary which teaches eternal security is greatly “lacking.” Any person or group which is wrong about that SALVATION issue should be avoided regarding any Biblical counsel, teaching, etc. May God help you unlearn the many false things they taught you and you were exposed to. You asked about being Spirit filled. It seems very clear to us, from Acts 1:8, when such occurs one will have power to witness:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
Hence, if one claims to be filled with the Holy Spirit and is not witnessing with power, don’t believe their claim.
You also asked about being like the 5 wise virgins who were ready to meet Jesus when he returns. Your desire is commendable. To be like them, simply put God’s word into practice (Lk. 8:21). That is very broad but much can be involved. Avoid sin and strive always to please God—do his will. Have you read our book, “The Believer’s Conditional Security?” It will give you many more ideas. GOD BLESS YOU. Heb. 3:14.
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(EMAIL) I’m still trying to figure things out. Going to order the book on conditional security. All I can say is that growing up with a OSAS mentality really messed me up. I allowed me to stray far from God when I experienced tragedy because I held him responsible for what happened in my life. Can you tell me if your book talks about Hebrews 6:4-6? I mean I love verses about the prodigal son and turning a wandering brethren back, but I sometimes wonder if I could be one of those who can’t be renewed to repentance because I've fallen away....
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. We are sorry you grew up under the influence of that false grace message. It has been the spiritual ruination of multitudes around the globe. It is wonderful to read you are aware of its danger.
You asked about Heb. 6:4-6. Those unnamed people could not get renewed again unto repentance because of the way they sinned. Though it is not clear, historically for them to return to the synagogues those Hebrews would have to commit eternal sin. Hence, they couldn’t get forgiven like others including the prodigal, etc. (Lk. 15:24,32; James 5:19,20; Rom. 11:19-23).
Please turn from all your sins and turn to God to serve him. Nothing in this life is worth going to hell over. Have you read this? http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/backslider.htm
There is no doubt, our books, “The Believer’s Conditional Security” and “The Myth of Eternal Security” should both help you. There is MUCH in them that can help you better understand this salvation related subject. http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/whatsnew.htm “The Believer’s Conditional Security” book is the most exhaustive and comprehensive refutation to eternal security ever written.
Please consider signing up for our weekly email teachings, updates, etc. If interested, you can do that here http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/contact.htm Remember Gal. 6:8,9 is a SALVATION passage not a rewards passage. GOD BLESS YOU.
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(EMAIL) ...I understand the lethality of OSAS as I was raised in a Baptist church that taught this perverted doctrine. I had committed my life to Christ as a youngster of _, and lived a life for Jesus until my late teen years. I allowed rebellion to take hold of my heart and turn me from His ways. I lived my life as I wanted to, and slowly but surely fell the great fall from grace. I fell so far from God; ...drugs, and all other types of shameful filth that will make me hang my head in shame in front of Christ one day. I "hit bottom" one day, only to realize later that it was literally the bottom of the pit of sin. But praise God, I was granted mercy to come back into the fold. I didn't realize that I was asking Christ to make me a new creature again at first, as I blindly thought I was "saved" all along. But, I KNEW that I was not living a life for Christ and that I couldn't continue in my wretchedness and sin. I also felt in my heart that if I died right then, I would go to Hell.
Since that day, I have turned from those evil ways, and sought the Lord with all my heart, and He has blessed me greatly. I don’t believe as I used to, and I can truly say I will never neglect the precious gift of Christ again. I have a new heart for Christ, and praise God, the joy of my salvation has since been finally restored. Since that time, God has given me a true Christian husband, who leads our home with the love of Christ, & has blessed us with a beautiful child. We pray that someday she will follow Christ, and that we can raise her according to His will.
Praise God, my walk with Him is unbroken since, and my husband and I have Bible Study at home with his family every Sunday (who are also true believers), as there are no biblically sound churches here. I pray diligently to be able to reach my family who are still in the same Baptist church (in __) and blinded by the OSAS doctrine before it is too late. God has provided me various opportunities to challenge their fallacy with His word, but they are fiercely resistant. I have sent them many tracts from your website, had numerous hours of "biblical phone battle" and sent them a copy of your book. And as if it wasn’t enough, I shared the darkness of my fall - which they watched unfold in front of them. They refute me as: I probably was “never saved to begin with”.
The grip of this demonic doctrine is so strong- yet when I humbly went to the scriptures and let the Holy Spirit teach me, I found the delusion so evident. .... Love in Christ Jesus
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Thank you for sharing the adverse affects the doctrine of once saved always saved had on you spiritually. It was very sad to read, but commonplace with that demonic doctrine. We have received many emails similar to yours! It is very good to know you became alive again, like the prodigal (Lk. 15:24,32).
We are also sorry you can’t find any sound church in your area. You are like the majority, not the minority. People love the doctrine of eternal security because it allows them to blend in with the world and not be concerned about struggling against sin. That will prevent persecution and many tough situations, as they enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time (Heb. 11:25) and serve the devil in their ignorant and darkened state.
How people can argue if one turns away from God to sin he was never saved is a blatant denial of what happened to David, Solomon, Peter and others who are unnamed. Clearly, the saved can turn away. That is why all the many warnings are cited all over the Bible. Also, the eternal security crowd doesn’t always say such a person who turns away was never saved. Sometimes they insist he is still saved in the most vile and wicked behavior. They have a double message which always promotes sin. Yes, this demonic teaching is horribly great with many seeming to be absolutely sure they will remain saved and go to heaven after death, regardless how they sin and remain unrepentant .... GOD BLESS YOU.
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(EMAIL) I inquired about Calvin and the death of Micheal Servetus and received the following response.... Please send me your comment. This is an important matter since it involves a popular reformer responsible for promoting ideas about major Bible doctrines. Here is their view of history on this subject:
...Calvin did not kill anyone during his lifetime and he certainly didn\'t kill Michael Servetus. Servetus was put to death by the city elders of Geneva of which Calvin was not a member nor was even a citizen of Geneva at that time. I\'m not sure where you are getting your historical facts, but they are wrong. You may disagree with the city of Geneva putting Servetus to death, but it is another thing to blame Calvin for it when he was not the one responsible for this act. I should also point out that even the Roman Catholic church wanted Servetus executed for his heretical views.
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. The response you got from that Calvinist who wants to protect John Calvin is just like the response the Mormons give to protect Joseph Smith, Jr., who died in a shoot-out (John Wayne style)! Both groups deny/distort/twist the facts to protect their own founder and theology.
DO NOT BE DECEIVED by the Calvinists: John Calvin was responsible for the death of Servetus and even stated before Servetus ever came to Geneva, “I” that is, JOHN CALVIN, will see to it he doesn’t leave alive! Calvin hated him because of insulting comments he made about his book. Calvin controlled and manipulated the whole thing to his painful death. Shocking but true! After his death, Calvin stated “posterity owes ME a debt of gratitude for having purged the church of such a pernicious monster.” (Calvin there, and elsewhere, admits his responsibility.) References and other facts about Calvin’s dark side are found in our book, “The Believer’s Conditional Security.”
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(EMAIL) Thank you so much for your deity of Christ page! I would like to add another point Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. The Almighty!!!
And I have to say, I'm not sure Jesus wasn't the wisdom referred to in proverbs 8.....because of this statement: Proverbs 8:23.... I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was......but maybe thats just to say that this particular attribute of Jesus always was. But, coupling that with 1 Corinthians 1:24 leads to the notion that it is Jesus. I guess I use the same reasoning as the Micah 5:2 verse. Also just for the clarity of your arguments, just because Jesus is called one thing i.e.) the word, doesn't exclude other names for him......ie) wisdom, Love...for God is love....the Lion of the tribe of Judah, etc. I love You whoever you are and thank you for compiling these scriptures referring to the deity of Christ!
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Thanks for the kind words. What throws many people off with the identity of Christ is that he is both God and man. The Jehovah’s Witnesses and others focus in upon and magnify his humanity while avoiding or distorting the verses which show his deity. The best way to prove his deity is by a comparison of OT and NT Scripture, which is done here http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/yhwh.htm
Do NOT be deceived by the JW (Jehovah Witness) argument that Jesus is created from Prov. 8:23. If that was true then: (1) An angel and not God was speaking through Solomon in Prov. 8, which is ludicrous and destroys the Holy Spirit inspiration of Scriptures, (2) It is impossible to connect Prov. 8:23 to Jesus, (3) Other verses are clear that Jesus is ETERNAL with NO BEGINNING (Micah 5:2; 1 John 1:2; Col. 1:16; etc.); (4) If Jesus was created at some past point and he is the power and wisdom of God, then prior to that point in time before his creation God was without power and wisdom! Do NOT be deceived. Have you seen these various articles http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/jehovah.htm
Please consider signing up for our weekly email teachings, updates, etc. If interested, you can do that here http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/contact.htm GOD BLESS YOU. Heb. 3:14.
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(EMAIL) That Chuck Missler clip is frightening. May God bless you and your ministry.
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Yes it is frightening. That is so, not only that he would openly lie and the way he did, but also how his audience was NOT affected by this deception/ dishonesty! People for the most part must be so desensitized by lying, etc. that things like that don’t even affect them anymore! People must not believe liars go to the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8). These are perilous times. May God help us all.
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(EMAIL) I am so blessed listening to your video debate with Dave Hunt. This pernicious doctrine—taught by James White, whose church I was in, that you can’t lose your salvation—you can relax—you do not have to put forth any effort, etc, finally led me into sin. And then Dave Hunt would close the door on me and say that there is no hope for people like me to come back to God. A few years ago, when this happened, I could have continued to listen to that horrible teaching that would have said I was still saved and did not need to repent. I am so glad, instead, that I chose to order and read your book. I have since written James White, confronting him with my fall into sin due to his doctrine. He can be genial in person, but in his letter back he quoted I John 2:19 against me, since I have left that church. On the one hand, they say you can't lose your salvation. Then when you sin, they say you are still saved. But if you show any fear of God, they say that now you can never come back. So they try to slam the door to salvation as Jesus accused the hypocrites in Matthew 23:13....
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Thanks for sharing a bit regarding your past with false doctrine. For any person to believe in eternal security is to accept a ticking time bomb. Sooner or later that heresy will prove to be a snare to his/her SOUL.
[Please see our Eternal Security Timebomb cartoon here http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/Eternal-Security-Timebomb.htm]
The OSAS people have a double message and teach whatever they have to for the moment. Their 1 John 2:19 argument, in context, only refers to people who did NOT believe Jesus was the Christ! See 1 John. 2:22. Have you read this? http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/calvinismsdouble.htm ... GOD BLESS YOU.
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(EMAIL) I have finally understood the error of once saved always saved. However that causes me to know that I am at this time unsaved (as well as my dear family) I have tried again to ask for salvation but I get nowhere. I am miserable at this revelation. I have tried and even at times still try to do good and believe that I am going to heaven But I really feel I am not of the elect and I don’t feel the Holy Spirit or peace I have besetting sin tormenting me always. My life is a wreck as well as those in my family. Please be honest and tell me what you think. At this time I realize I know the real truth and that is I am unsaved and it appears there is no remedy. I am sick mentally and physically also and God does not intervene I know and believe all the truths of the Bible but they seem to be of no use to me as I cant obey them (without the Holy Spirit) I sinned all my life with great sorrow and continue to do so(human?) Please answer if possible- I am on my way to hell and don’t want it but it seems unavoidable. Will I just suffer this way until I die with no remedy? I am very sad but I believe and plead with God always and cling to some type of hope that Jesus will save me. I waver it seems Please help Thank you I try to love God even if He hates me and I do have a moral ethic and try to fight sin. Jesus is the Lord I know. May He bless you always
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. Even though learning the truth that there is no eternal security has been distressing at this time, you are still at a MAJOR ADVANTAGE to know this truth. Now you need to sincerely repent from your heart and get changed. You must be willing to turn away from ALL idols in your life and turn to serve the living God. Please also know that God wants YOU, but has left the choice of a relationship with him up to you. To have peace with him, the sins have to go. When you repent and contact the blood of Jesus you will be freed from your sin addictions:
Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Rom 6:16-22)
Please do NOT be deceived by Calvinism. There is no such thing as some not having a chance for salvation. See 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4; 1 Thess. 2:10; etc. Have you read this http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/abovesin.htm
GOD BLESS YOU.
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(EMAIL) You might have been impressed if you witnessed my encounter the other day. Two young mormons came to my door. I mentioned I already attend a church and one of them asked if I had read the Book of Mormon. I said no, “why would I need the b.of. m. when I have the Bible.” He was really persistent. I tried to quote this scripture, “and no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as a angel of light, it is not surprising that his servants masquerades as messengers of righteousness, there end will be what there actions deserve.” I asked them to imagine themselves being born 50 years before Smith would you be reading the Bible and they said yes and I said why would you need the b. of m. 50 years later? I said then what can the b of m do for me that the Bible can’t? I told them you need to pick the Bible or the b of m. which one do you pick right now, and of course they said both. I recommended they search the internet and find the truth about Smith....
(RESPONSE) Greetings in Jesus’ name. You are right. It was a blessing to read how you dealt with those Mormon missionaries. Hopefully, they will start to think about what you said. Many Mormon missionaries were born into that false religion much like Catholics are raised Catholic. Neither know the truth but both believe their doctrines are the truest.
It is very sad that the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses are usually the only ones who knock on doors trying to make converts. The few real Christians who are scattered about rarely do that form of evangelism. May God bless you especially spiritually. Our country is taking a nose dive fast. These are rough times around the world. GOD BLESS YOU.