ArchivedOnce saved always saved?These "ifs" can be, and are elsewhere in Scripture, translated "since". It's not that I choose to ignore these Scriptures, it's just that I choose not to add extra meaning to them when that extra meaning is not written there. "If [since] ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed". I take this at face value. If a Christian continues in Christ's word then he is His disciple. You take this to mean that if someone who once did continue, then stops continuing, then they have stop being a disciple (lost salvation). But that meaning is not written there, nor can it be implied, because it contradicts teachings of other Scriptures (i.e. all of the "I give you eternal life" arguments you've heard before). You hang your whole argument on one idea - apostacy. Have you ever considered that perhaps apostacy as it is taught in Scripture is a concept that applies to the church as an entity, not the believer as an individual? And why is it that apostacy is always given in Scripture as a hypothetical situation (see Heb. 6:9), and is never shown by specific example (i.e. "Look at Bill over there. He's turned away from Jesus and has lost his salvation.")? |
🌈Pride🌈 goeth before Destruction
When 🌈Pride🌈 cometh, then cometh Shame