I expect we all know the parable of the prodigal son?
Jesus begins by saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like..."
So we understand from this premise that, as with all his parables He's referring to how Christians must live their lives.
The prodigal demanded his inheritance and used it to commit sin.
When he'd suffered enough, he CHOSE to return to his father-
The father who'd constantly hoped his son would return home.

If Christians don't sin, what's the point of the parable? Or that of the 'lost sheep', for that matter?
Is the understanding that once I accept Christ's salvation, I can commit sin with no consequence?
How do we fight the battle against our natural inclinations displayed by Ananaias and Sephira, who were struck dead after having also 'received salvation'?
What are we told is the purpose of the 'Armour of God' that Paul says we must PUT ON, if the salvation offered us CANNOT be reversed?

Christians [size=32pt]cannot [/size]loose their salvation. Pure and Simple!!

Consider this scripture: Romans 5:17-19

17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Read the whole chapter that started with Romans 5:1 - Now that we are justified by faith, we have peace with God.

Romans 5 is talking about our new nature in Christ. Adam's sin gave us a sin nature without doing anything except that we are born human beings. Same way the second Adam, Jesus, obedience gave us a righteous nature that becomes ours when we are born-again. This righteous nature, like the sin nature, is not dependent on what we do but simply bc we are born of God.

The subject of wether christians can loose their salvation is the oldest debate in Christendom. The Arminians and Calvinists took up arms against each other in the English civil war bc ot it. Wesley vs. Whitefield. etc.

When I consider the argument and the so called vision of people loosing their salvation, I come to one realization: spiritually no one Jesus has saved can be lost but some Christians will be lost: How? Because some people who profess the Christian faith never truly found the Lord but lived all their lives in religion. They will loose their salvation bc they were never really saved.

It begs the question of the means of people coming to Christ today. Are people truly led to the Lord or all we have is easy believism? That is why the gospel that teaches money, money, money must be contended against bc such "gospels" never really saves people.

The question is not whether people can loose their salvation. The questions is are our ministers preaching the gospel that can save men?

Remember Judas!

Remember the prodigal son!

They lost their salvation!

Give me the portion of goods that falls to me says the younger brother!!!....I want to go...I don't want YOU but I want the BLESSINGS....and the Father divided unto them his life.....the boy left home with the wealth, prestige and comfort...away from his Father into a far country...no more relationship!!!!....sounds like what we use God for.....

The younger son plans to go back home after being shamefully subjected to feeding pigs; No one gave to him. He decided to go back home thinking he would become one of his fathers hired servant: meaning he would go and work for his Father so that he can pay back the inheritance he took thereby completing the process of restitution.

From a distance his Father saw him and ran towards him; he embraced and kissed him on the neck. Shouldn’t the Father be angry? God is not like man! GRACE DISPLAYED

Before the boy could lay down his plan, the Father called on his servants to get the robe, the ring and sandals for his feet and a fatted calf was killed in the restoration of his son. He invited his friends and there was a feast. The Father will reach out because we have not chosen God, but God has chosen us….John 15:16.

Ok the younger son is back home, where is the older brother?

The Father divided his living between his sons. According to the Jewish custom the first Son has to get double portion: so the Father divided his estate into three parts. The older son will get two-thirds and the younger will get one-third.

The father took from the two-thirds that was left, which belonged to the older brother to restore the younger brother.

Obviously that day was the Fathers happiest day in his life. His son was dead and is alive again….He was lost and now he is found.

The elder son wasn’t at home, but was on his way back from work. He heard the music and the feasting. He decided to ask one of the servants; he was told that his brother was back, hence the feasting. He was angry; he refused to join his happy father at the feast. He thought about the fact that his portion of inheritance was being used. Mis-management of my wealth he thought. He refused to go in!

He cared more about the wealth, prestige and comfort that he never planned to share.

The Older brother stayed out and refused to go in, and like the younger brother, he didn’t think about the state of the Father’s heart. He did not for once think about the fact that the fatted calf was killed. For the fatted calf to be killed in those days, it must have been a very important occasion and many people will have to be invited: the older son did not want to care.

Like he did for the younger brother, the Father went out to meet the older brother to entreat and restore him. He met with him outside the place where the feast was been held and the brother went on.

All these years I have served you, I never transgressed, I never broke your commandment. You never gave me a kid (not calf) so that I can enjoy with my friends but as soon as YOUR SON (no more his brother) came back (who spent all your money on harlots) you killed the fatted calf. This reminds me of our righteousness being filthy rags described in the book of Isaiah.

So he had a reason for remaining with the Father, he was working to get the blessing. He didn’t care about the relationship, which was more important, but the material blessings. This also reminds of todays Church message (prosperity at the expense of relationship). The older brother didn’t even suggest going to look for his younger brother at anytime. No matter the gains in the estate, they will belong to him. No more sharing!!!

This boy will also need the Grace of God for restoration because WORKS won’t get him there.

What happened next?

Jesus ended the story!!!

Preach the Gospel Romans 3: 21 – 23


Jesus ended the story, the older son is still outside with the father…what next?…Oh, it was just a parable – a fictitious story (no wonder we weren’t told their names or identities) with the intent of driving home a point on his plan for redemption.

Who was the father?
God, and his plan to reconcile the world to Himself.

Who was the Calf?
Jesus – He would have to shed his blood for the ransom.

Who was the Older Son?
The Jews, and their effort in getting to God by works.
The older brother was still outside claiming self-righteousness. He went on about how he had worked to achieve. Little did he know that the righteousness with God had to come by Grace and not works. He described how the younger brother spent the money with harlots…was he there, how did he come to that conclusion?

Who was the Younger Son?
The Gentiles: anytime you point an accusing finger at him, remember four is pointing back at you. This has painted the picture of how the Gentiles will be reconciled to God.

Preach the Gospel….it is the Gospel of Grace…it is the Gospel of God!!!

shdemidemi: Give me the portion of goods that falls to me says the younger brother!!!....I want to go...I don't want YOU but I want the BLESSINGS....and the Father divided unto them his life.....the boy left home with the wealth, prestige and comfort...away from his Father into a far country...no more relationship!!!!....sounds like what we use God for.....

The younger son plans to go back home after being shamefully subjected to feeding pigs; No one gave to him. He decided to go back home thinking he would become one of his fathers hired servant: meaning he would go and work for his Father so that he can pay back the inheritance he took thereby completing the process of restitution.

From a distance his Father saw him and ran towards him; he embraced and kissed him on the neck. Shouldn’t the Father be angry? God is not like man! GRACE DISPLAYED

Before the boy could lay down his plan, the Father called on his servants to get the robe, the ring and sandals for his feet and a fatted calf was killed in the restoration of his son. He invited his friends and there was a feast. The Father will reach out because we have not chosen God, but God has chosen us….John 15:16.

Ok the younger son is back home, where is the older brother?

The Father divided his living between his sons. According to the Jewish custom the first Son has to get double portion: so the Father divided his estate into three parts. The older son will get two-thirds and the younger will get one-third.

The father took from the two-thirds that was left, which belonged to the older brother to restore the younger brother.

Obviously that day was the Fathers happiest day in his life. His son was dead and is alive again….He was lost and now he is found.

The elder son wasn’t at home, but was on his way back from work. He heard the music and the feasting. He decided to ask one of the servants; he was told that his brother was back, hence the feasting. He was angry; he refused to join his happy father at the feast. He thought about the fact that his portion of inheritance was being used. Mis-management of my wealth he thought. He refused to go in!

He cared more about the wealth, prestige and comfort that he never planned to share.

The Older brother stayed out and refused to go in, and like the younger brother, he didn’t think about the state of the Father’s heart. He did not for once think about the fact that the fatted calf was killed. For the fatted calf to be killed in those days, it must have been a very important occasion and many people will have to be invited: the older son did not want to care.

Like he did for the younger brother, the Father went out to meet the older brother to entreat and restore him. He met with him outside the place where the feast was been held and the brother went on.

All these years I have served you, I never transgressed, I never broke your commandment. You never gave me a kid (not calf) so that I can enjoy with my friends but as soon as YOUR SON (no more his brother) came back (who spent all your money on harlots) you killed the fatted calf. This reminds me of our righteousness being filthy rags described in the book of Isaiah.

So he had a reason for remaining with the Father, he was working to get the blessing. He didn’t care about the relationship, which was more important, but the material blessings. This also reminds of todays Church message (prosperity at the expense of relationship). The older brother didn’t even suggest going to look for his younger brother at anytime. No matter the gains in the estate, they will belong to him. No more sharing!!!

This boy will also need the Grace of God for restoration because WORKS won’t get him there.

What happened next?

Jesus ended the story!!!

Preach the Gospel Romans 3: 21 – 23


Jesus ended the story, the older son is still outside with the father…what next?…Oh, it was just a parable – a fictitious story (no wonder we weren’t told their names or identities) with the intent of driving home a point on his plan for redemption.

Who was the father?
God, and his plan to reconcile the world to Himself.

Who was the Calf?
Jesus – He would have to shed his blood for the ransom.

Who was the Older Son?
The Jews, and their effort in getting to God by works.
The older brother was still outside claiming self-righteousness. He went on about how he had worked to achieve. Little did he know that the righteousness with God had to come by Grace and not works. He described how the younger brother spent the money with harlots…was he there, how did he come to that conclusion?

Who was the Younger Son?
The Gentiles: anytime you point an accusing finger at him, remember four is pointing back at you. This has painted the picture of how the Gentiles will be reconciled to God.

Preach the Gospel….it is the Gospel of Grace…it is the Gospel of God!!!

So true. I love this.

topfet:

This Scripture is not for those in Christ, reason being that the righteousness we have today is that of Jesus and not ours. it's an everlasting righteousness.

Bro,
Dont understand from the post you responded to in Ezekiel 3, there is no eternal salvation
A saved person can/may/will loose his salvation if they return to their sins/evil like a dog returning to their vomits

jammyunn:
I've read some articles on salvation and some biblical verses do suggest that we may while some also suggest we can't. What do you think guys? I need good bible students here.

Jesus Christ, God's Truth, and God's Eternal Life, and God's Way offered two salvations

■ Salvation from the condemnation of Sin which is Death - John 3 vs 1 - 21 by which He gifts those who obey with Eternal Life aka grace in place of the curse of Death which was previously upon such a one. As it states, this salvation is eternal in origin meaning one is incapable of losing it. In other words, once one gains access to the Kingdom of God — either through the broad gate or the narrow gate described in Matthew 7 vs 13 - 14 — by way of the Spirit of Eternal life, there is no going back after that. The individual becomes eternally bound to the Kingdom of God for better(eternal reward) or for worse(eternal damnation) - Matthew 25 vs 31 - 46 .

■ Salvation from Sin itself - Matthew 10 vs 22 & Matthew 24 vs 12- 13 & Mark 13 vs 13 - by which one is sealed by the Spirit of God aka the Spirit of Truth in righteousness. As Jesus Christ made clear in His Gospels, it is only those who stand faithful — living in continuous submission and obedience to His teachings and commandments, God's Truth — until the end, that will be saved in this manner. Those who fall by the way before the end will have themselves to blame.

jammyunn:
I've read some articles on salvation and some biblical verses do suggest that we may while some also suggest we can't. What do you think guys? I need good bible students here.

Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

There are too many scriptures that warns believers to be careful how they live their Christian life less they miss it.

Eternal security is a message from the pit of hell.

If there is eternal security, the letters Jesus wrote to the seven churches in Asia Minor will be meaningless.

Thank you 🙏

Ken4Christ:


Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

There are too many scriptures that warns believers to be careful how they live their Christian life less they miss it.

Eternal security is a message from the pit of hell.

If there is eternal security, the letters Jesus wrote to the seven churches in Asia Minor will be meaningless.

Ayomivic:
How do you know you are saved?

Well, to be born-again means to be born of water and born of the spirit — possessed by the Spirit of eternal life. And as Jesus Christ explained in the context of John 3 vs 1 - 21

1 There was a man named Nicodemus, one of the Pharisees. He was an important Jewish leader.
2 One night he came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a teacher sent from God. No one can do these miraculous signs that you do unless they have God’s help.”
3 Jesus answered, “I assure you, everyone must be born again. Anyone who is not born again cannot be in God’s kingdom.”
4 Nicodemus said, “How can a man who is already old be born again? Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born a second time?”
5 Jesus answered, “Believe me when I say that everyone must be born from water and the Spirit. Anyone who is not born from water and the Spirit cannot enter God’s kingdom.
6 The only life people get from their human parents is physical. But the new life that the Spirit gives a person is spiritual.
7 Don’t be surprised that I told you, ‘You must be born again.’
8 The wind blows wherever it wants to. You hear it, but you don’t know where it is coming from or where it is going. It is the same with everyone who is born from the Spirit.” - John 3 vs 1 - 8

That possession — rebirth— by the Spirit of Life, as Jesus Christ indicated in verse 8, is not a passive one. So, if you are indeed born-again, you will not need anyone to inform you of it as you would be very much aware that there has been an invasion of your person by an entity you were not born from your mother's womb with. And since He is the Spirit of eternal life, it means that invasion is around the clock, 24/7 for eternity.

And by the way, you are expected to accept the cross that you are given when you follow Jesus Christ.

37 “Those who love their father or mother more than they love me are not worthy of me. And those who love their son or daughter more than they love me are not worthy of me.
38 Those who will not accept the cross that is given to them when they follow me are not worthy of me.
39 Those who try to keep the life they have will lose it. But those who give up their life for me will find true life. - Matthew 10 vs 37 - 39

italo:
○ So if you kill, you still wont lose salvation?

1. No, you won't and this has to do with the fact that salvation as offered by Jesus Christ is meant to be an eternal covenant. So, you won't lose it but you just simply continue to guarantee yourself an end in eternal damnation by your deeds is all.

debaj10:
○ I expect we all know the parable of the prodigal son? Jesus begins by saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like..." So we understand from this premise that, as with all his parables He's referring to how Christians must live their lives. The prodigal demanded his inheritance and used it to commit sin. When he'd suffered enough, he CHOSE to return to his father- The father who'd constantly hoped his son would return home.
○ If Christians don't sin, what's the point of the parable? Or that of the 'lost sheep', for that matter?
○ Is the understanding that once I accept Christ's salvation, I can commit sin with no consequence?
○ How do we fight the battle against our natural inclinations displayed by Ananaias and Sephira, who were struck dead after having also 'received salvation'?
○ What are we told is the purpose of the 'Armour of God' that Paul says we must PUT ON, if the salvation offered us CANNOT be reversed?

1. I believe you misconstrue the meaning contained in the parable and why Jesus Christ told the parable to begin with.

2. The parable was supposed to address the fact that sinners who chose to change from following their old sinful way are in fact welcomed by heaven, the Father, and remain part of God's family. It wasn't in any way told to explain sin or suggest that sin can continue. But, yes, sin does continue as one wills oneself to continue.

3. The understanding is instead that once you accept salvation, you should then seek first the Kingdom of God (Holiness aka sinlessness) and then God's righteousness after which all that was promised will be added to you. So, if you chose to pursue unholiness(continue in sin) after you have been saved from Death aka been born-again, that is your choice.

4. Natural inclination to lie? Sin is merely disobedience of God's direct command and is a choice, not a natural inclination. Recall that so many others did not choose to do what Ananias and Saphira did, so claiming what they did is of natural inclination is entirely dishonest.

5. What Paul meant, I see you misconstrue. The one who is God's armor is not you but Jesus Christ. God's servant is described in Isaiah 59 [/b]where the reference made by Paul comes from. The one doing battle is not you but Jesus Christ who already told you He had already overcome almost 2000 years ago.

[b]15 Loyalty is gone, and people who try to do good are robbed. The Lord looked and saw there was no justice. He did not like what he saw.
16 He did not see anyone speak up for the people. He was shocked to see that no one stood up for them. So with his own power, he saved them. His desire to do what is right gave him strength.
17 He put on the armor of goodness, the helmet of salvation, the uniform of punishment, and the coat of strong love.
18 He will give his enemies the punishment they deserve. They will feel his anger. He will punish all his enemies. People along the coast will get the punishment they deserve.
19 People from the west to the east will fear the Lord and respect his Glory. He will come quickly, like a fast-flowing river
driven by a wind from the Lord.
20 Then a redeemer[c] will come to Zion to save the people of Jacob who have turned away from sin. - Isaiah 59 vs 15 - 18

See Isaiah 52

3 For thus says the Lord: “You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.”
4 For thus says the Lord God: “My people went down at the first into Egypt to sojourn there, and the Assyrian oppressed them for nothing.[a]
5 Now therefore what have I here,” declares the Lord, “seeing that my people are taken away for nothing? Their rulers wail,” declares the Lord, “and continually all the day my name is despised.
6 Therefore my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here I am.”
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” - Isaiah 52 vs 3 - 7

Also, see Isaiah 11

1. A small tree[a] will begin to grow from the stump of Jesse. That branch will grow from Jesse’s roots.
[b]2 The Lord’s Spirit will always be with that new king to give him wisdom, understanding, guidance, and power. The Spirit will help him know and respect the Lord.
3 He will find joy in obeying the Lord. This king will not judge people by the way things look. He will not judge by listening to rumors.
4-5 He will judge the poor fairly and honestly. He will be fair when he decides what to do for the poor of the land. If he decides people should be beaten, he will give the command, and they will be beaten. If he decides people must die, he will give the command, and those evil people will be killed. Goodness(Righteousness) and fairness will be like a belt he wears around his waist. - Isaiah 11 vs 1 - 5

And the only way you can wear God's armor is by abiding by Jesus Christ, the Lord who wears the armor, only then can Jesus Christ abide in you.

DrummaBoy:
■ When I consider the argument and the so called vision of people loosing their salvation, I come to one realization: spiritually no one Jesus has saved can be lost but some Christians will be lost: How? Because some people who profess the Christian faith never truly found the Lord but lived all their lives in religion. They will loose their salvation bc they were never really saved. It begs the question of the means of people coming to Christ today. Are people truly led to the Lord or all we have is easy believism? That is why the gospel that teaches money, money, money must be contended against bc such "gospels" never really saves people.
■ The question is not whether people can loose their salvation. The questions is are our ministers preaching the gospel that can save men?

1. For a person to claim that he/she has been born-again for over a decade yet with inkling that to be born-again means to be possessed by the Spirit of Eternal Life who locks one into an eternal Covenant with God as a result leaves one speechless. Such a one has never experienced God nor Jesus Christ.

2. Are they themselves born-again?