If the Apostle Paul was concerned about this, maybe you should be too!

 

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

 

Recently I spoke to a good friend about the security of eternal salvation. She tends to believe that a person cannot lose their salvation and, as most of you know, I believe a person can. I've listed a host of Scriptures here on this blog to back up my belief. Here's my most recent one.  However, let me say something here first. Many of the people who claim to be Christians these days are actually false converts. So, in essence, they were never saved. We don't see any evidence of a changed life, no righteousness, no fruits of the Spirit, not an ounce of Christlike character. I do believe that it would be difficult for someone who is really saved to lose that salvation. I believe it would have to be a purposeful act of walking away from the Faith and going back to a sinful lifestyle. This is clearly what the Scripture teaches. See Hebrews 6 for just one of many examples, in addition to the post I linked above. 

 

Anyway, I told my friend that nearly every time I open my Bible I find yet another verse that proves my point and the one above did just that. Paul is comparing the Christian life to a race. Elsewhere in Scripture, he compares it to being a soldier, an athelete, and a farmer. In other words,  the Christian life is hard and requires work and discipline. NOT TO EARN Salvation, but to hold onto it and to receive the crown of Righteousness.  Notice how Paul is concerned that he might be DISQUALIFIED. I looked up that word in the Greek. 

 

adokimos - Castaway, Reprobate, Rejected

 

Now, some pastors may tell you that Paul is just talking about rewards, not salvation, but this word clearly means being cast away from the faith. But let the Bible interpret the Bible. Where else did Paul comment that we have to sacrifice something, do something to stay in the Faith, to win the race! Here's just ONE of many.

 

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.  Philippians 3

Notice Paul assures us that we cannot achieve our own righteousness.. that is a free gift through faith in Jesus, BUT he goes on to say that his goal is to know Jesus, to suffer as He did, and to be conformed to His death. What does that mean? It means exactly what Jesus, Himself, said in the following verses. 

 

He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25 

 

And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. Matthew 10:38

 

Notice Paul's last statement: IF BY ANY MEANS, I may Attain to the Resurrection from the dead. What is the Resurrection from the Dead. The Rapture. So, even Paul wasn't completely confident in his own ability to make it. He knew we humans are weak. He knew temptations were strong. He didn't even trust himself. He knew he needed Jesus and he had to cling to Jesus to have a chance.

I was going to close here, but I sense the Lord wants me to post just a few more verses

 

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1

If you are truly saved you will walk according to the Holy Spirit.

 

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God Romans 8:14

 

What does being LED BY THE SPIRIT look like? Would the Holy Spirit lead you to lie, cheat, steal, cuss, get drunk, fornicate, etc...?? OR Would the Holy Spirit lead you to spend time with Jesus, pray, read your Bible, grow in your faith, do good works, be kind to everyone? 

 

Yes, we are all in different places in our walk. Some are just babies, others more mature, but there should be some EVIDENCE that you are saved. Yes, we all sin everyday, but those sins should become less and less as you mature. In fact, as you grow in your faith, sin should slowly become disgusting to you and righteousness should become more appealing. 

 

I know I've beat this topic to death recently, but I run across SO MANY Christians, including many Watchmen on You Tube and a pastor I greatly admire, preaching that Once you receive Jesus into your heart, you cannot ever lose your salvation. So, you could never attend church, never read your Bible, never pray, and live a sinful life, and it wouldn't matter. That sort of attitude just drive me nuts!  

Time is VERY SHORT. I'm hoping this post goes out to as many people as possible. We can't play games with God. He will not be mocked. Stay in the Faith, work out your Salvation with Fear and Trembling! Die to self and live for Jesus. At least start on your way. God is very merciful. He will look at your heart. 

I leave you with this verse below. Read it carefully.  Apparently you can choose NOT to continue in God's Goodness. Wake up, people!

 

Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. Romans 11:22