I believe salvation is available to all; but not everyone will be saved mostly because they fail to take God at His word which is conveyed in much of the scriptures that you quoted, which I believe that the reason you quoted these verses is because you made up your mind that all of these so called believers are genuine believers of which there is no way to know because most so called "believers" might be perceived by others as being true believers. Even some verses that are quoted in scripture state that some of this "believers" were never believers to begin with. If you can prove to me that all of these verses pertain to "genuine believers" then I would have no reason not to accept your premise. I hope you will read below to see where and why I am basing my beliefs on.

I hope that you can respond to some of the questions that I have or get your perspective or your comments on where you believe that I may be misled, because I consider everyone's opinion or belief as to where they are coming from or simply put; where are they getting their scripture knowledge, which If it is different I would consider it to be different from my perspective. So hopefully you can enlighten me on this topic so as to help me, in my spiritual walk.

For starters; respectfully, I believe one of us is not in tune with scripture when you state that works are necessary for salvation and you quote Matthew 25:31-46 as one of a few other verses that you quote in scriptures to support your belief that works are necessary for salvation. In verse 23 it ends by saying "faithful" servant. Faithful servant is one who is righteous in God's eye; one who is made righteous by faith alone and not works. Now I understand that you might say his works of what he did with his talents is what made him righteous. But for now, let's look at Rom. 3:28-30 and Rom. 4:5 which are but a few verses that specifically state that faith alone without deeds (works) is what justifies a person (makes him or her righteous). This whole chapter 25, deals with an exhortation to the Jewish people them and for them to beware of how they treat their brethren. In verse 46 it ends with the " righteous" will inherit eternal life. You do not become righteous by doing good deeds, but only by having true faith. You quote James 2:14-26. This verse of James, I believe, has been inappropriately used to mean that works are necessary for salvation. What it really is saying: If one is doing evil deeds and they say that they have faith, then where are your good works. In other words; Faith produces good works; but good works do not produce Faith. I will explain more in detail below. As for Romans 2:6-13 which you also quote to show that works are needed for salvation; I will also have to respectfully disagree with your thinking on this one. This verse quoted is also an exhortation to the Jewish nation to lead a Godly life. I will go more into detail on why I believe that Faith alone plus nothing else is necessary for salvation. True faith is the core of eternal salvation. True faith is the core of eternal salvation. Paul, our apostle as reference in (Rom.11:13; 1Tim; 2:7; 2Tim. 1:11), puts it very plainly on what it takes to be saved on his epistles, especially in Eph. 2:8-9. It is so plainly written that anyone can comprehend it, but yet, some do not. Why? This is in the New Testament, which is what we Christians should go by when it comes to salvation (We are not under the Law which is works), being that it was written to us Gentiles and Jews under the Dispensation of Grace, which we now fall under and not under the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament.

I would appreciate it if you could tell me why you believe that works need to be included for salvation? I'll assume you'll most likely quote from the book of James; but I'll address that also further below. Is Paul wrong? Didn't Jesus did all the work necessary at the cross when He said "it is finished?" I thought finished meant complete. Does it say in scripture that we must complete what He failed to accomplish? Also look at Rom. 11:6; Rom. 4:5 and Eph. 1:13. These are only a few verses that show salvation comes through faith and faith alone without works. That has always been the case through the ages and up to now. Why? God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). There are a lot more verses in the Old and New Testament, along with examples on how faith alone is needed for salvation; but that is for another time.

Having said that, let me get back to your belief that a "believer" can lose his salvation. (I'm proceeding with the assumption that you are talking about "true believers". You and I know that in any church you have "believers" that have not yet attain a regeneration status, so to speak. I believe that once truly saved, (regenerated by the Holy Spirit) you can never lose your salvation. Hopefully, I can prove it to you with scripture, as to why I believe this.

A. Eternal Salvation: (Romans 4:21)

The simple meaning of Eternal Salvation is that an individual who truly repents of his sin and accepts Jesus as his personal savior can never lose his or her salvation. The theological meaning of eternal salvation is those whom God has accepted in the Beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by His Spirit can neither totally or finally fall away from the state of grace, but will certainly persevere until the end and be eternally saved. Eternal security means that once a person has undergone the real experience of salvation, has undergone a true regeneration experience, that person cannot lose his salvation either by committing a specific sin or by ceasing to believe. That which keeps the believer saved and secured is by the works of the Holy Spirit and the work of God on his behalf, not the believers own works.

B. LET'S LOOK AT SOME PRINICIPLES OF ETERNAL SALVATION:

1. SALVATION IS NOT REPEATABLE.

In the Ancient Greek language often the verb "to be saved" tends to emphasize a singular (one) act (John 3:14-15; 4:13-14; 6:35, 51). The point is that salvation is not something, which is repeated. There is not a single case in Scripture that states a person was saved, lost his salvation and then was saved again. That concept is nowhere to be found in Scripture.

2. TRUE SALVATION PRODUCES WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

This principle states that TRUE SALVATION will produce genuine works of Righteousness in one's life. Anyone who has been truly saved will show it with some degree of evidence, even though it might be quite small, there will be some evidence. A person is saved by faith alone, but that faith that saves is not alone, it will produce some kind of evidences, some kind of good works. Salvation is not by faith and works, but true salvation is a result of a faith that does produce good works (Mat. 7:17-20; Titus 2:11-12; James 2:14-24; II Pet. 1:5-10).

3. THE TEST OF GENUINE FAITH

What is Faith? Simply put: Faith is accepting God at His word. All Scripture is inspired by God. When a person is saved, he may not know that Jesus was born of a virgin. When that person learns it, he or she will readily accept it. If they deny it or reject this truth, then perhaps they were never truly saved to begin with. Therefore, accepting God's word is a test of true faith. (Col. 1:22; II John 2)

4. WORKS OF THE BELIEVER ARE REWARDED

The believer does not attain his salvation by works, but a true salvation, a true faith, will result in good works and these works in turn will receive their reward. Salvation itself is not a reward for doing good works, but rather salvation by itself is a free gift received through faith and nothing else. (Heb. 6:10)

5. THE BASIS OF THE EXHORTATIONS (ENCOURAGE OTHERS) TO GODLY LIVING

The exhortations in Scripture for Godly living are based upon what God has done. The exhortations to Godly living are never based upon the fear of losing one's salvation.

For example, in Romans 12:1-2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God".

After Paul deals with the theology of salvation and points out that believers are eternally saved, then he basically exhorts Christian living in Romans 12 which is based on what God has done in chapters 1-11. It is not based upon the threat of losing salvation.

The same point is made in II Corinthians 5:15: "and he died for all that they that live should no longer live onto themselves; but unto him who for their sakes works died and rose again".

Here again is the exhortation not to live selfishly, but unto God because of what God has done. The exhortation is based upon God's mercy, not based upon losing salvation.

6. THE RESULTS OF SIN IN THE BELIEVER'S LIFE

This principle of eternal security points out what sin actually does in the believer's life: sin severs one's fellowship with God (1 John 1:6-7, 9) once one believes he has a "family relationship" with God. When one is born physically, he is born into "a family" and will always be a part of that family. At times, communion and fellowship within that family might become strained and broken because of animosity between family members. The same thing is true in the family of God. One may break fellowship because of one's sin, but he will always remain in that family nonetheless. Sin severs fellowship but does not sever salvation.

7. PERSISTENT SIN SHOWS A LACK OF GENUINE CONVERSION<

This principle is the point of I John 3:6-10, where the present tense is used. Consistent sin does not show a loss of salvation, but rather that the person was never saved to begin with. Often people point to a person that he walked down the aisle to received Jesus, but has never shown signs or evidence of it because he is still walking in the same steps before he "believed" in Jesus. Merely saying that he walked down the aisle or saying that he believes in Jesus is not proof that he had saving faith. The question is: "Was he ever really saved to begin with? Was he ever really converted in the true sense of the term?" Persistence in sin may show a lack of conversion.

8. PERFECTION IS NOT ACHIEVED IN THIS LIFE

Eternal salvation does not mean that you have achieved perfection as a believer. Believers will be sinning for the rest of their lives. No one will achieve perfection in this life. If one must reach perfection in order to be save or for that matter maintain salvation, then everyone, including every believer is in trouble. If anyone could have made it to perfection, it would have been the Apostle Paul, and yet he wrote, "I am not yet perfect" (Phil. 3:12-14). In I Timothy 1:15, written toward the end of his life, Paul said: "Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of I am chief". Notice that he did not use the past tense: "I was." He used the present tense: "I am."

9. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POSITION AND PRACTICE

This principle of eternal security is that there is a difference between taking a position on certain beliefs but yet practice something else that does not conform to your beliefs. Perhaps the best example of this is the Corinthian church. Paul referred to the Corinthian church positional as being a sanctified church (I Cor. 1:2). But according to their practice, they are one of the worst churches in the New Testament. There is a difference between position and practice; however, bad practice does not mean that the position has been lost. >

10. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORKS AND SALVATION

This principle to bear in mind is that if works are needed to keep salvation, then salvation is by works. Works is what separated Adam and Eve in the garden, to begin with. Faith is what brought them back to Him and faith in our redeemer is what is going to save us. In Romans 4:4-6 Paul said: Now to him that works, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. Even as David also pronounced blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckons righteousness apart from works. Galatians 2:21 "I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law (works), then Christ died for naught."

II Timothy 1:9: who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal.

So if works are necessary to keep salvation, then salvation is ultimately by works. Yet the Bible consistently teaches that salvation is by grace though faith and apart from works.

C. THE EVIDENCES FOR ETERNAL SECURITY

What are the evidences of eternal security? Since there are so much evidence of eternal security, let's begin with:

A. GOD THE FATHER

1. The sovereign Purpose of God

Romans 8:28-30 spells out one of these sovereign purposes of God, when Paul said those who have been justified (made righteous) will be glorified. He does not say only some who have been saved are going to persevere to the end and then make it; he does not say that only some who are justified will eventually be glorified. What is stated is that those who have been justified are guaranteed to be glorified by God the Father.

I Corinthians 1:8 states God shall also confirm you unto the end, not temporal, but unto the end. This is a promise to all believers; that all believers will be confirmed in the end.

Furthermore, Ephesians 1:4, and 11-12 states that believers have chosen to bring glory to God. If God knew ( and He knows) one would lose his salvation, He would not have chosen him to begin with. The very fact that it shows that He did; guarantees eternal security.

Ephesians 2:7 develops the sovereign purpose of God even further: that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Those who have obtained the mercy of salvation from God in this life will receive even greater displays of God's mercy in the ages to come, in the next life. This promise is a guarantee of eternal salvation. .

Philippians 2:12-13 states that God is working in believers to accomplish His will. Not only is the gaining of salvation a work of God, but the retention of salvation is a work of God. The reason salvation cannot be lost is because the keeping of salvation is not dependent upon the believer, it is dependent upon God the Father and His sovereign purpose.

Another verse concerning His sovereign purpose is Hebrews 2:10, which speaks of His purpose in bringing many sons unto glory.

2. THE FATHER'S POWER TO KEEP

The fact that God the Father has the power to keep. This means that He will keep. John 10:25-29 points out that God will give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. The ones who have been saved, not once, not twice or multiple times, but have been saved (period) have eternal life. And if the word eternal means anything, it means just that: it is eternal. If someone could lose his salvation, he did not have eternal life, he had only temporary life. John then emphasizes this fact even further with the next phrase. Not only does he state positively that God gives them eternal life, but then he also states negatively: they shall never perish. Never means never! Romans 4:21 states: and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was able to also perform. Since God has promised to keep the believer, He will do it.

Romans 8:28-30 states that those whom He foreordained or predestinated, called, and justified will also be glorified. These passage makes it very clear that all those who have believed have been called and justified; therefore, these will also be glorified.

II Timothy 1:12 teaches that He is able to keep that which has been committed. Believers have committed themselves to Him and now He is able to keep them; He has that power.

Hebrews 7:25 points out that believers have been saved (without limit) to the uttermost; God's power has saved completely (not partially saved). If salvation could be lost, then it was not a complete salvation, and God's power has a limit.

One more example of God's power to keep is in Jude 24, which teaches with all confidence that God is able to keep the believer from stumbling and present him faultless before the throne. So besides the sovereign purpose of God, a second reason dependent upon God the Father is the Father's power to keep.

3. GOD'S INFINITE LOVE

Romans 5:7-10 states that, if God sent His Son to die for us when we were His enemies, He would certainly keep us now that we are His friends. The love of God was proved by the sending of His Son to die for our sins while we were His enemies. If God was willing to provide salvation when we were His enemies, the love of God will make sure that He is going to keep us now that we are His friends.

Furthermore, Ephesians 1:4 states that we have been chosen in love. By His love, He has chosen us in order to keep us.

4. THE PROMISE OF GOD

The fourth reason dependent upon God the Father for eternal security is based upon the promise of God who always keeps his promises. God made a specific promise of eternal security and the promises of God can never be rendered null and void. John 3:16 states that "the believer" will not perish. If a believer could lose his salvation and end up in Hell, then obviously a believer can perish, which would render God a liar by not keeping his promise. But according to this passage, once a person has accepted Jesus as his Savior, he simply will not perish.

Then John 5:24 teaches that the believer has already passed from death into life. The promise is that we already have eternal life, because we have passed from spiritual death to spiritual life, and spiritual life is eternal life. The Scriptures always emphasize that believers have eternal life at the present time. If salvation could be lost, it was not eternal, but only temporary. Scripture does not state that salvation is temporary. When we accept Jesus as our savior, we have been spiritually reborn again at the time that you genuinely accept Jesus as your Savior. Scripture does not state that you need to be reborn again and again until you get it perfect. (You'll never get it perfect) . For those who state that you can lose your salvation are really meaning to say that either (they were never truly saved (not losing their salvation), or they want to judge people, according to their own standards of salvation, as to who and when one should be considered saved. One should rely on scripture only and not on man's doctrine(s).

In Hebrews 6:16-19, the writer based his argument upon the promise of God and the oath of God. As if the promise of God were not enough, God added His oath to the promise. The content of the promise and oath is that believers are going to be kept safe.

These are the reasons for eternal security, which are dependent upon God the Father.

B. GOD THE SON

The second area of evidence concerns eternal security for the reasons, which are dependent upon God the Son. Let's look at one of the crucial passages for making this point is Romans 8:34-39: "who is he that condemns? It is Christ Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword. Even as it is written, for your sake we are killed all the day long; we were accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Six reasons are given that eternal security is dependent upon God the Son.

1. HE BORE OUR CONDEMNATION FOREVER

The first reason that eternal security is dependent upon God is that scripture teaches that Jesus bore condemnation forever. He did not merely bear condemnation for past sins, for when Jesus died, all our sins were still future and even for those that are yet to be born. He did not die just for some of our sins, He died for all of them. Jesus has died, and He has borne our condemnation (Heb. 5:8-9; I John 2:2).

2. BELIEVERS ARE PARTAKERS OF HIS RESURRECTION LIFE

Believers are partakers of His resurrection life (Rom.4:25; Eph. 2:6). The fact that we are partakers of His resurrection life emphasizes that resurrection life is not something, which can be lost.

3. THE WORK OF JESUS AS ADVOCADE (I John 1:1-2:2)

Jesus, our only advocate, deals with the sins in the believer's life, but never with the threat of losing salvation. Because He is an Advocate on our behalf, sin in the believer’s life is dealt with, but not by loss of salvation.

4. JESUS' WORK OF INTERCESSION

Jesus intercedes so that no believer can be lost. He interceded while still on earth (John 17:1-26) , and He is still interceding for us (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25).

5. THE ROLE OF JESUS AS SHEPHERD

This is portrayed beautifully in John 10:27-29. As He dealt with His role as a shepherd, He points out three things:

First: Believers have eternal life. Again, the word eternal must mean what it says. If that life is eternal, then it is eternal. If one can lose it, it is not eternal, but only temporary.

Secondly: They shall never perish. No matter what the "sheep" do, they will never perish.

Thirdly: No one can snatch them from His hand. No one has the power or the capacity to snatch them from His hand.

6. THE PURPOSE OF JESUS' REDEMPTIVE WORK

"What is the purpose of His redemptive work?" Ephesians 5:25-27 states that He died to purify the Church so that it will be without spot and without blemish and this is exactly what He intends to do: to purify the Church so that it will be without spot and without blemish. Certainly, if any part of that Body (Church) could lose its salvation that would be a spot; that would be a blemish.

Hebrews 5:9 teaches that God made Jesus the author of eternal salvation. It is a salvation "believers" now have, and if it is eternal, it cannot suddenly become temporary.

I Peter 3:18 teaches that Jesus suffered once for sin to bring us to God. If one could lose his salvation and be saved again, Jesus would have needed to suffer more than once; for every time a believer sins. But He suffered once, was sacrificed once for our inequity; to bring us to God, and now He has brought us to God permanently.

C. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

The third area of evidence concerning eternal security is reasons, which are dependent upon the Holy Spirit. Let’s look at five such reasons:

1. THE HOLY SPIRITS' WORK OF REGENERATION

II Corinthians 5:17 states that all things have become new; Galatians 6:15 declares the believer to be a new creature or creation; Ephesians 2:10 teaches that believers have been created in Christ Jesus. The work of regeneration makes one a new creation, a new creature.

The work of regeneration is not a work that can be undone and redone over and over again. Man is generated into the natural sphere by natural birth. Once he has been born into the natural world, that birth cannot be undone. He cannot be become a fetus again to re-enter his mother’s womb. Once he is out of the womb, he is out permanently, for the work of natural generation is not a work that can be undone. By the same token, the work of regeneration or being born again, cannot be undone.

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT'S MINISTRY OF INDWELLING

When the Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit's indwelling the believer, it emphasizes that once He comes to indwell that believer, He indwells him permanently, eternally, and forever (John 14:16-17; I Cor. 6:19; Eph. 2:22; I John 2:27 ). The Holy Spirit abides in the believer forever. If He is not there forever, then it was not forever, it only temporary.

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT'S MINISTRY OF SPIRIT BAPTISM

By Spirit baptism (Holy) , the believer is vitally joined to Jesus(I Cor. 12:13) and becomes a member of His Body. There is no implication that it is possible to ever fall out of that Body.

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT'S MINISTRY OF SEALING

The Holy Spirit does seal and the purpose of the sealing is to seal up the believer in Christ so that he can never fall out. The clear emphasis is that the believer has been sealed, not just temporarily, not just until he no longer believes, but until the day of redemption. Having been sealed, the final, the final redemption is guaranteed. Perhaps the sealing ministry of the Spirit is the most vial one, emphasizing eternal security (II Cor. 1:21-22; Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30).

5. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Philippians 1:6 brings out the fact that the Holy Spirit will complete the work He has begun. He has begun the work of salvation in us, and He will bring it to its final completion. (He will not forsake us)

In summary, all three members of the Trinity have something to do with eternal security.

D. ETERNAL SECURITY IN ROMANS 8:1-39

The fourth area of evidence for eternal security is based upon the lengthy passage of Romans 8:1-39, which will be outlined to emphasize its teaching on eternal security: Verse 1: There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus means that the believer is no longer under any condemnation, no matter how often he may personally sin.

Verses 2-8: the believer has been delivered from the Law (works), and the Law can no longer condemn him.

Verses 9-13: the divine nature is present within the believer, and this divine nature is not capable of spiritually dying.

Verses 14-17: the believer is an heir of God; as an heir, he will not lose his inheritance.

Verses 18-30: The divine purpose is that the very ones who have been justified, and every believer has been justified, will someday also be glorified.

Verses 31-33: Paul emphasizes the execution of the divine purpose, and indeed the ones whom He has justified He will glorify, because He will not accept any charges against His elect.

Verse 34: in light of Jesus' achievement, the believer's security is guaranteed to be eternal.

Verses 35-39: Paul points out the incompetency of celestial and earthly things to keep one eternally. Believers do not have the power to keep themselves, so God is the One who is going to keep them. On the other hand, these verses emphasize further that there is nothing, absolutely nothing that can now separate us from the love of God. Nothing outside of us, nothing inside of us, not even we ourselves can separate us from the love of God.

E. THE MEANING OF THE WORD "ETERNAL"

This fifth area of evidence for eternal security rules the possibility of the loss of salvation, because if "eternal" means anything, it means "forever". If someone could lose his salvation, then it is not eternal, but temporary instead. Involved in our salvation are ten eternal things:

First, there is an eternal plan that God has for our lives (Eph. 3:10-11).

Second, based upon what Jesus has done, we now have eternal salvation (Heb. 5:9 ).

Third, we have eternal redemption (Heb. 9:12).

Fourth, believers have an eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15).

Fifth, those who have this eternal redemption, inheritance and salvation are destined for eternal glory(II Tim 2:10; I Pet. 5:10).

Sixth,there is an eternal hope, because we have the guarantee of eternal glory (Titus 3:7; Heb. 6:17-19).

Seventh, eternal hope, in turn, provides eternal comfort (II Thes. 2:16).

Eighth, God has made an eternal covenant with us, and by virtue of His being the covenant-keeping God, He will keep us saved (Heb. 13:20).

Ninth, we are destined for an eternal kingdom (II Pet. 1:11).

Tenth , we do indeed have eternal life now; we have it presently. It is not something we will receive later upon death, but we have eternal life right now (John 3:14-16; 36; 6:47; 10:28; Titus 3:7).

It cannot be overemphasized that eternal life must mean what it says: if it is not eternal, if a person could lose it his salvation, once he is truly saved, then it is only temporary life and scripture does not teach temporary salvation.

F. THE FINISHED WORK of JESUS

This sixth area of evidence for eternal security is that our sins were still future at the time when Jesus died for them. When Jesus died for the sins of the world, He died for all of the sins of the world, not only until the next sin was committed. The very fact that the work of Jesus was finished, the fact that Jesus does not need to come and die again, shows that those who have received the benefits of His work (salvation) cannot lose it. Those who have received salvation cannot, therefore, lose it, because it would require Jesus to do His work all over again (Heb. 10:12-18)

G. BELIEVERS ARE KEPT BY GOD

The seventh area of evidence is based upon I Peter 1:4-5 and here the emphasis is on the word "kept" or "guarded". Believers have been kept through faith, and are kept unto the final consummation. God is doing the keeping. Indeed, if the retaining of salvation were dependent upon the believer (retaining a sinless life) everyone would lose it). Fortunately , eternal security is dependent upon God’s work, and He will keep us.

H. BELIEVERS ARE NEW CREATIONS

The eighth area of evidence is that the believer is a new creature or creation (II Cor. 5:17). The fact that he is a new creation shows that he cannot suddenly now eternally cease to exist. He is a new creation, a new creature.

I. SALVATION IS BY GRACE

The ninth area for eternal security is based upon Ephesians 2:8-9: "for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory (boast)". Just as no one can obtain salvation by works, but only through faith, even so, no one is going to keep his salvation by work.

J. THE OBEDIENCE OF JESUS

The tenth area of evidence is the obedience of Jesus. According to John 6:37-40, the believer is a gift given by God the Father to the Son because of the Son's obedience. And because the believer is God's gift to the Son, He is always going to keep him.

K. THE GOSPEL SEED ABIDES

The eleventh area of evidence is based upon I John 3:9, which teaches that the seed abides. The seed is the gospel seed that produces eternal life. This eternal life continually abides; it does not at some point becomes inoperative.

L. SALVATION IS A FREE GIFT

The twelfth area is the fact that salvation is a free gift (Rom. 11:29) . A free gift is not truly free if it can be demanded back or taken back or one has to work for it. When God gives a gift, it is a free gift of grace, it is not something that He will take back from the one to whom He has given it. Salvation is indeed a free gift.

M. SALVATION IS A BIRTH

The thirteenth evidence is that salvation is a birth, a new birth (John 1:12; 3:3; James 1:18; I Peter 1:3, 23). The fact that salvation is a birth makes it final and unchangeable. Just as a child’s physical birth is final and unchangeable, so that it cannot be put back into the womb to start all over again, even so, believers are born again. They have been reborn. That is what salvation is, and this rebirth is final and unchangeable.

N. THE BELIEVER CANNOT KEEP HIMSELF

A believer is not able to keep himself saved any more than he was able to save himself in the first place (Gal. 3:3). Just as God saves, God is the One who is going to keep believers.

O. GOD HAS PAID THE HIGHEST PRICE

The fifteenth evidence is that God has paid the highest price for believers: the blood of His Son. That is too high a price to give them up now.

P. SINS PUNISHED WITHOUT THE LOSS OF SALVATION

The sixteenth area of evidence is the truth of Scripture that gross sins were punished, but never with loss of salvation. For example, (1 Cor. 5: 1-5) describes a case where a true believer is living with and sleeping with step-mother. Paul condemned this, telling the church that it must exercise church discipline to deliver such (a person over to) Satan for the destruction of the flesh. NOTICE THAT HE SAYS THE FLESH RATHER THAN THE SPIRIT, because the text goes on to say that the spirit (shall still) be saved. This gross sin was punished by excommunication, but not by loss of salvation.

Let’s look at another example in I Corinthians 11:29-32, which deals with members of the Corinthian church who were misusing the Lord’s Supper. God disciplined them and punished them in several ways: weakness, sickness, and even death; but at no point did He threaten them with the loss of salvation whatsoever. So the scriptural example is that gross sins were indeed punished, but never with the loss of salvation.

Q. THE PURPOSE OF THE WARNINGS AND EXHORTATIONS

The seventeenth evidence deals with the purpose of the warnings and exhortations. If they were not for the purpose of scaring people about losing salvation, what was the purpose of the warnings and exhortations? These biblical warnings and exhortations are never based on the danger of losing salvation . Rather, they are there to prove that God does work immediately and wants man to cooperate in the work of perseverance; the Lord will keep them, but they need to live righteous lives. The exhortations to righteous living are coupled to the promise of sufficient grace. If one will depend upon God, God will get him through.

The purpose of these warnings and exhortations was to incite to greater faith and prayer. These warnings and exhortations show duty, not ability. They do serve as restraints and they are written to show what can or cannot be done, what ought or ought not to be done. However, the warnings and exhortations are not written to warn that if one disobeys these things, he will lose his salvation.

PROBLEM PASSAGES ON ETERNAL SECURITY

This category on eternal security deals with a study of problem passages which various groups use to try to prove that it is possible to lose one’s salvation. They do not all use the same verses. Therefore, in order to try to deal with all the various arguments from various sources and groups, it will be helpful to categorize these passages into sixteen areas.

A. CONCERNING DISPENSATIONAL MISAPPLICATION

The first area of passages, which people use to try to show that it is possible to lose salvation, are Scriptures, which are dispensational misapplied. These passages are not dealing with the individual’s salvation in the Age of Grace, but are dealing with Israel as a nation at some other period of time.

1. Passages in Ezekiel One such passage is Ezekiel 18:20-26: "The soul that sins, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keep all my statues, and do that which is lawful and right , he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; in his righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of wicked? Says the Lord Jehovah; and not rather that he should return from his way, and live? But when the righteous turns away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? None of his righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered: in his trespass that he has trespassed, and in his sin that he has sinned, in them shall he die. Yet ye say, the way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, o house of Israel : Is not my way equal? Are not yours ways unequal? When the righteous man turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and dies therein; in his iniquity that he has done shall he die".

Along with that comes Ezekiel 33:7-9: "So you, son of man, I have set you a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say that unto the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die, and you dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way; that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at your hand. Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it and he turn not from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your soul.

Some groups use these verses to teach that a believer can lose his salvation. But this passage is not actually speaking of the spiritual salvation of individuals. Rather, it concerns Israel as a nation under the Mosaic Law, individual accountability, physical life and physical death. Under the Mosaic Law, if one were obedient to the Law, he would physically live; if one disobeyed the Law, he would physically die. If this passage were speaking about spiritual salvation and spiritual death, then spiritual salvation would be obtained by works. The passage states that "if you do all these things, if you keep all these commandments, then you will live " Now if the word "living" is spiritual life, then spiritual salvation would mean salvation is by the works of the Law! ( We are not under the Law, we are under Grace)

Yet the Bible teaches exactly the opposite: no man was ever saved by the works of the Law. Salvation is always by grace through faith plus nothing. Salvation is never by means of works. However, the enjoyment of physical life and the enjoyment of long life under the Mosaic Law was based on the keeping of the Law. If a man was righteous under the Law in that he lived in conformity to the Law, but later in his life disobeyed it, he was deemed punishable under the Law, even to the point of physical death.

Take the case of Moses, who lived most of his life in conformity to God’s righteous standards and was a meek man before the Lord. But one day he disobeyed God and, as a punishment, God said that he, too, would die in the Wilderness Wanderings. He would only get to see the Land, but he would not be able, to enter into it. Now, did Moses lose his salvation? No, he did not. But he lost his privilege of being able to die inside the Promised Land and was punished by dying outside the Promised Land. These verses, then, are not referring to individual salvation, but to Israel under the Law. They deal with accountability. They deal with physical life and physical death in connection with keeping the Mosaic Law.

B. PASSAGES IN MATTHEW

The next passage that has been dispensational misapplied is Mathew 18:21-35, in which Jesus dealt with the issue of forgiving the brother and told the story about the unforgiving steward. He then made the point that if a believer does not forgive others, then he should not expect to be forgiven himself (v.35). If this means, one way to lose salvation, is by not forgiving the brethren, then once again, this ends up making salvation by works.

However, in this context the issue is not salvation forgiveness; instead it is mainly forgiveness. Salvation forgiveness is the means by which one enters into God's family, and the only way of receiving salvation forgiveness is by grace through faith apart from works. But once one is in the family, sin in the believer’s life; such as, holding a grudge against a brother, can cause a breakup in the relationship within the family of God. And it can break one’s fellowship with God the Father. The way a believer receives family forgiveness of sins is by means of confession (I John 1:9) The point of this Matthew account is that confessing sins is not going to gain family forgiveness if the confessor is not willing to forgive people who have wronged him or offended him. Thus, the Matthew (8:21-35) passage deals with family forgiveness rather than salvation forgiveness. This passage, then, has also been misapplied.

Another passage frequently misapplied dispensationally is Matthew 24:13: But he that endures to the end, the same shall be saved. "Only those who endure to the end shall be saved." And thus this verse is used to show that one has to endure righteously to the end to be sure of having salvation. However, in this context Jesus was not dealing with the salvation of individual believers, He was dealing with the nation of Israel in the Great Tribulation. At the end of the Tribulation, all Jews living at that time will be saved spiritually. But not all the Jews living at the beginning of the Tribulation will survive it. So it is only those Jewish people who survive the Tribulation physically, endure to the end, who will be saved at the end of it. The "enduring" here is physical endurance: Those who physically endure in their life to the end of the Tribulation will definitely be saved, because many passages of Scripture teach that all Jews living at the end of the Tribulation are going to be saved. So this passage has also often been misapplied.

C. CONCERNING FALSE TEACHERS

A second area of passages which people use to try to show that one can lose his salvation is in Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves". Some people use the passage to say that a person can lose his salvation by disguising himself in sheep’ clothing. But Jesus was not dealing with people who were believers who became false teachers; rather, he was dealing with people who were never saved to begin with. They were never "sheep" but were always "wolves" pretending to be sheep. These are people who never had salvation, and therefore could not lose something that they never had.

Another passage is Acts 20:29-30: "I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them". Here again is a message dealing with false teachers who may enter in from outside or false teachers who may arise from the inside. However, in neither case were these people saved to begin with. Both are distinguished from the disciples, who are believers. This passage again is another example of false teachers, and these false teachers will be held accountable. These are people who were not saved to begin with; therefore this passage does not teach that believers can lose their salvation.

D. ENLIGHTENED DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN "REGENERATED" OR "SAVED" IN THE SCRIPTURES

Enligtened is not necessarily synonymous with being saved. The Greek word for "enlightenment", photizo, refers to doctrinal knowledge. While we need doctrine, God’s Doctrine, for salvation (we can't have faith in just anything, can't we?), we aren't saved by a religious doctrinal understanding.

Hebrews 6:4-6 "For it is impossible to restore again to repentance "those" who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit. And have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame”.

How can one be enlightened and fall away? It does seem to be speaking of a saved person losing his salvation. However: who is the "those" and from what have "those" fallen away from? To begin with, it is important to know that this section of Hebrews is about apostates/heretics - those who may to some degree, embraced the truth, but have now abandoned it (hold a different position now). Also the word "those" implicates at least two categories of people in the church (true believers and unbelievers).

In this verse in question, it is speaking of people who were involved, perhaps heavily involved, in a church. It is likely they would have joined a congregation, heard the Gospel, and saw the Spirit working in the life of Believers. They may have received some of the blessings of being part of a covenant community and they may have even publicly confessed Christ and have been baptized (in the early Christian writings, conversion and baptism were sometimes termed "enlightenment"). But they never had a saving knowledge of Christ. They may have been "in the Church" but never "of the body of the Church."

Now the question is, If the "those" is someone who has only "tasted" the heavenly gift in the church, has seen what has been going on and seen God at work, been in the church, what exactly have they fallen away from that they can't be renewed again to repentance? Isn't confession a form of repentance of sins and doesn't that imply that they were originally brought to repentance? They only "tasted" or "sampled" Christ. They were never truly converted to faith in Him.

A good analogy would be the difference between marrying someone and just going on a few dates with them.

One more example of this is seen in the not uncommon situation people who have been in a church for many years, been involved in many things, never missed a service, may have even partaken of the Lord's Supper, as the wording in the passage suggests, but they never were really saved.

Before we tackle your verses that are in question and that I respectfully disagree with; I would like to put emphasis on how one needs to approach scriptural verses so as not to take them out of context. I believe that it is very important to ask oneself (l) WHO IS THE AUTHOR (person inspired by God that is doing the writing)? (2) WHO IS THE AUTHOR WRITING TO (person(s) being addressed)? And (3) WHY IS HE WRITING TO THEM (what is the circumstance(s) or purpose)? I believe this helps a lot, especially on doctrines not inspired by God.

I will make brief comments and will categorize the verses you quoted in order to shorten this response which I feel is already more lengthy than I foresaw in order to do any justice by using supporting scripture to respond.

As stated above the various categories are:

(1) Dispensationally applied - Author is dealing with Israel as a nation or is dealing with physical life and physical death under the law or family forgiveness rather than salvation forgiveness.

(2) Dealing with false teachers who never were saved to begin with.

(3) Speaking of mere reformation or outward profession, not real salvation

(4) Dealing with fruit of salvation. Evidence of salvation; that true salvation is proven or evidence by its fruit (belief, obedience)

(5) Concerns the "If" clauses, especially in the book of Hebrews. Having to do with maturity of a believer.

(6) Concerns basic warning to all men and not lost of salvation.

(7) Concerns the distinction of the Olive Tree. The olive tree is not a symbol of salvation as some people believe, rather the rooted place of blessing or removed from the place of blessing.

(8) Concerns lost rewards which is not lost salvation.

(9) Concerns loss of fellowship and divine discipline. Teaches loss of fellowship or physical discipline, but not the loss of salvation.

(10) Concerns falling from grace is based upon Galatians 5:4. These deals with real believers being taught by false teachers that they had to keep the Law of Moses for their sanctification.

(11) Concerns weakened spiritual condition. This deals with a new faith believer (baby believer) who is not yet a firm believer and who is easily influenced by the actions of other believers. Has nothing to do with losing salvation.

(12) Concerning confessions. A twelfth area of passages used to teach loss of salvation are those in which people confuse daily confession with the original salvation confession. In this category are Matt. 10:32-33, which deals with confessing Jesus before men, and Romans 10:8-11. These passages are not dealing with people who lost their salvation; rather, they deal with daily confession of Jesus before men, not with the initial confession of salvation.

(13) Concerning Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit

A thirteenth are of passages used to teach loss of salvation is the passage in Matt. 12:22-37, which speaks of the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In the context, however; those who are guilty of this blasphemy are not believers, but unbelievers. These were the leaders of Israel who accused Jesus of being demon-possessed. These Pharisees were never saved to begin with. Their situation was not that they were saved, then blasphemed the Holy Spirit and lost their salvation. The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a sin of unbelievers who commit that sin. The sin of the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, in accordance with context in which it is found, can best be defined as: the national rejection by Israel of the Messiahship of Yeshua (Jesus) on the ground of being demon-possessed.

(14) Concerning the Parables A fourteenth area of passages, which people use to teach loss of salvation is based upon parables such as those of Matt. 13:1-23, 24-30; and Luke 13:22-30. But if these parables are studied carefully, it is obvious that they actually speak of unbelievers, not believers who lost their salvation. Furthermore, it is dangerous to teach doctrine of this magnitude on the basis of parables.

(15) Concerning the Book of Life and the Lamb's Book of Life A fifteenth area of passages used to teach loss of salvation are statements made in Scripture about being blotted out of the Book of Life. "If it is possible to be blotted out of the Book of Life, doe that not show that one can lose his salvation? " But that is not the case, and if all the passages about the Book of Life are studied, what is discovered is that everyone who was ever born has his name in the Book of Life. If they are saved they have their names are retained in the Book of Life; if they die unsaved, then their names are blotted out. The blotting out is of those names of people who were never saved, and died in an unsaved condition. It is not of those who were save and lost their salvation.

The Book of Life contains the names of every person who was ever born according to Psalm 139:16: Your eyes did see mine unformed substance; And in your book they were all written, Even the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was none of them.

Those who believe in Jesus have their names retained in the Book of Life according to Revelation 3:5: He that overcomes shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the Book of life, and I will confess his names before my Father, and before his angels.

However, in Psalm 69:28, the unsaved have their names blotted out of the Book of Life: Let them be blotted out of the book of life, and not be written with the righteous.

So then, at the Great White Throne Judgement, if their names are not found in the Book of Life, it will show them be unsaved and worthy of partaking in this particular judgement.

Another book mentioned in the Scriptures, which should be kept distinct, is the Lamb's Book of Life. This book contains the names of every individual who is born again, and only those who are born again. Their names are written in this book before the earth was ever created according to Revelation 13:8: And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, every one whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that has been slain

It is mentioned again in Revelation 17:8b: And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, they whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast, how that he was, and is not, and shall come.

In Psalm 69:28, it is known as the Book of the Righteous : Let them be blotted out of the book of life, And not be written with the righteous Lamb's Book of Life.

Based on God's election and foreknowledge, this book contains only the names of those who are born again. Because salvation is eternally sure, it is impossible to be blotted out of this particular book, the Lamb's Book of Life. Thus the names entered on the Lamb's book of life, the saved, coincides with the names remaining on the Book of live - the saved (those names that are not blotted out). Conclusion:

None of these passages that people cite (I will, respectfully, show that your quoted verses also fall into one of these categories) and which some have been misapplied dispensationally; do not teach that the individual believer who has been saved by grace through faith can lose his salvation. In all of these passages (including yours), the author is dealing with something else other than individual salvation. Either he is (1) dealing with Israel as a nation, or (2) he is dealing with physical life and physical death under the Law, or (3) he is dealing with family forgiveness rather than salvation forgiveness, or (4) he is dealing with exhortations and warnings.

So again I respectfully disagree that none of the passages or examples which people cite neither teach nor prove that a believer can lose his salvation. On the contrary, a believer, "once saved", can never lose his salvation, because he is kept by the power of God.

Now, in reference to your specific verses which I respectfully think you just took out of context without giving much thought as to the context or actual message being conveyed. I have categorized the verses as you quoted them and place them into at least one of the categories one of the four categories mentioned above which deal with other things rather than loss of salvation. I will also briefly explain, which is very important, as to who the author is addressing his writings to and the purpose of his writings or message being conveyed.

The book of Matthew is written by a Jew to the nation of Israel (Jews). The main reason was to teach the twelve apostles the relationship of Jesus and the Law. Jesus was preparing the way for the teaching of Grace and had nothing to do with the condemnation of believers. Some of these Jews were just beginning to learn and accept the teachings of Jesus. God had initially commanded the twelve apostles to go only to the Jewish nation and not to preach to the Gentiles (Matt. 10:5; 15:24) , but only to Jews who were still under the Law and who needed spiritual growth in order to continue living a Godly life under the teachings of Jesus. Jesus, himself, did not minister to Gentiles, with only about three exceptions of Gentiles who confronted Him. These exceptions were with a Samaritan woman at the well, a woman grabbing his clothing and a centurion soldier some who demanded to speak to him. At this time salvation through grace was not being preached. Paul was later appointed by Jesus to teach salvation through grace to both Jews and gentiles (1 Timothy 2:7; Rom. 11:13

Matt. 5:20:22- falls under category (4). deals with instructing the Jewish nation
Matt. 5:29:30 - falls under category (4) an exhortation on adultery
Matt. 6:13-15 - falls under category (4) exhortation on fasting
Matt. 10:28 - falls under category (1) instructions for the twelve apostles
Matt. 12:32 - falls under category (4) an exhortation of the unpardonable sin
Matt. 13:20-21 - falls under category (4) exhortation of the parables of the soil
Matt. 18:8-9 - falls under category (4) exhortation of offenders
Matt. 18:28-35 - falls under category (4) instructions about forgiveness
Matt. 24:44-51 - also category (4) Jesus' exhortation of the answers to the question when?/illustrations of Noah times and of two servants
Matt. 25:14-15 - also category (4) exhortation of the parables of the talents

The book of Mark is directed to a gentile audience readers who knew little of the Old Testament theology. The purpose was mainly to emphasize Jesus' ministry as a servant and also His crucifixion and death.

Mark 4:16-18 - falls under category (2) deals parable of the soils
Mark 9:42-48 - falls under category (2) deals with warning about hell
Mark 11:25 - falls under category (3) necessity for forgiveness
Mark 13:20-23 - falls under category (2) deals with destruction/tribulation

The book of Luke was addressed to Theophilus (a friend of God). It seems that no one really knows who exactly this person was. The purpose of this writing is to introduce the Son of Man, the ministry of the Son of Man; the rejection of the Son of Man and the crucifixion and resurrection of the Son of Man.

Luke 8:13 - falls under category (2) Parable of the sower and soils
Luke 12:42-46 - falls under category (1) parable of the faithful steward

The book of John is suggested that it was written to the disciples in Asia Minor but there is no certainty in this. The purpose was to bring people to spiritual life through belief in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Therefore the purpose of John's Gospel is to "confirm and secure Christians in the faith"

John 6:60-71 - falls under category (1) rejection by many followers/Peter's confession
John 12:44-48 - falls under category (1) The Messiah teaches
John 15:5-6 - falls under category (1) the relationship of believers (Jews) to Christ
John 17:12 - falls under category (1) Christ prays for His disciples

The book of acts was written over the one generation transition from a primarily Jewish to a predominantly gentile membership. The purpose was to present the transition from Judaism to Christianity (religion), from law (works) to grace (divine dealing), from Jews alone to Jews and Gentiles.

Acts 20:28-30 - falls under category (4) warning/teaching against false teachers

The book of Romans was written to the church at Rome who were predominantly Gentiles (Rom. 1:13; 11:13; 28:31; 15:15; 16), but there were also Jewish believers (2:17 - 3:8; 3:21 - 4:1; 7:1 - 14, 14:1 - 15:12). The purpose of this writing was God's offering the gift of His righteousness to everyone who comes to Christ by faith.

Rom. 6:12-13, 16 - category (4) an exhortation of a principle of a believers death to sin
Rom. 8:12-13 - category (4) an exhortation that the Spirit gives eternal life
Rom. 11:20-22 - category (4) exhortation as to the purpose of Israel's rejection

The Book of 1 Corinthians is address "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth". The purpose of this message was to transform the lives of people into believers and make them different as people and as a corporate body from the surrounding world. However they were destroying their Christian testimony because of immorality and disunity.

1 Cor. 3:13-17 - category (4) deals with whether the earthly works of men will be worthy of rewards at the Bema Seat of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
1 Cor. 6:8-11 - category (4) warnings against, fornicators, idolaters, evil things etc
1 Cor. 6:15-18 - category (4) warnings against sexual immorality
1 Cor. 9:24-27 - category (4) exhortation of Paul's "limiting his rights for ministry"
1 Cor. 10:2-9 - category (4) warning against forfeiting liberty unlike the ones who were under the Law did. They are free from the yoke which was the Law.
1 Cor. 10:11-12 - category (4) exhortation that God has set examples for us to learn from Old Testament and a warning to learn from the past.
1 Cor. 11:28-30 - category (4) an exhortation of rebuking disorders at the Lords' Supper
1 Cor. 15:1-2 - category (4) an exhortation of faith in Christ's resurrection

The book of 2 Corinthians was written to Titus to carry this letter to the Corinthians. The purpose was because false apostles had mounted an effective campaign against Paul in the church of Corinth and Paul was forced to take a number of steps to overcome the opposition.

2 Cor. 5:20-6:2 - category (4) exhortation of motivation of message to unite
2 Cor. 11:2-3 - category (4) Pauls' declaration of his apostleship
2 Cor. 13:5 - (4) Paul's warning to examine yourselves in the faith

This book was written to the Galatians. The Galatians having launched their Christian experience by faith seemed to content to leave their voyage of faith and chart a new course of works - a course that Paul finds disturbing. This letter is a vigorous attack against the gospel of "works" and a defense of the gospel of "faith."

Gal. 1:6-9 - (4) exhortation/warning on the departure from grace
Gal. 4:8-9 - (4) exhortation that believers are now free from bondage (the law) but yet they want to go back to the law that bonded them in the first place
Gal. 5:1-4 - (4) exhortation on the position of liberty from the Law: "stand fast"
Gal. 5:19-21 - (4) warning of condemnation to those evil workers of the flesh
Gal. 6:7-9 - (4) do not be weary in well doing

The book of Ephesians was addressed to believers who were rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ but yet living as spiritual beggars. The purpose was that they lacked the awareness of their responsibility to conduct themselves as such that will be manifested to others as living a Godly life. To set examples for others to follow.

Eph. 5:2-6 - (4) exhortation on Godly living, so as not to grieve the Holy Spirit

This book is addressed to the church of Philippi. The purpose is to thank them for all the support Paul is getting, and also to remain steadfast in the face of opposition and the coming persecution. Be aware and stay firm in your position.

Phi.2:12-16 - (4) exhorting Christ's example of humility
Phi.3:10-13 - (4) warning against confidence in the flesh (works)

This book is addressed to the Colossians in Colosse who were still practicing legalistic teachings under the Old Testament. The purpose of the writing was to explicitly defeat the heresy that had arisen in Colosse, which endangered the existence of the church.

Col. 1:21-23 - (4) exhortation of Christ's preeminent in redemption of believer
Col. 3:5-9, 24-25 - (4) exhortation on putting off the old man (old self prior to regeneration) and do works of holiness to receive rewards (not salvation)

This book of Thessalonians was written to the believers in Thessalonica due to persecution they were receiving from their own countrymen. The purpose was to clear up some misunderstanding about the return of Christ and give them directions for spiritual growth.

1 Thess. 4:3-8 - (4) exhortations for spiritual growth

The book of 2 Thessalonians as was with the 1 Thessalonians; the church was still being persecuted because of their belief. Paul's purpose to writing 2 Thessalonians was to encourage them to stand firm and keep away from idle men who don't live by the gospel.

2 Thess. 3:6, 11-14 - (4) exhortation to withdraw from disorderly brethren

1 Timothy was written to Timothy, a young inexperience Pastor, who is facing a heavy burden of responsibility in the church of Ephesus. The purpose or the task is challenging: false doctrine must be erased, public worship must be safe-guarded and mature leadership must be developed; in addition to the conduct of the church.

1 Tim. 1:18-20 - (4) exhortation to fight a good warfare
1 Tim. 4:1-2 - (4) warning and description of false teachers
1 Tim. 5:8 - (4) exhortation on how to treat widows
1 Tim. 5:14-15 - 4) - still an exhortation on to great widows
1 Tim. 6:9-10 - (4) - an exhortation to Godliness with contentment
1 Tim. 6:20-21 - (4) an exhortation to keep that which is committed

The book of 2 Timothy is Paul's final epistle in which he knows that his days on earth are quickly drawing to a close and is concerned about his young associate who is still facing the burdens of a timid, but yet; faithful young Pastor. In spite of Paul's bleak circumstances, his purpose of this epistle is to offer encouragement that urges Timothy on to steadfastness in the fulfilment of his divinely appointed task.

2 Tim. 2:11-12 - (4) exhortation to endure husbandman (master of the family)
2 Tim. 2:16-20 - (4) an exhortation of a diligent workman and sanctified vessel
The book of Titus is known as one of the Pastoral Epistles as are the two letters to Timothy. The purpose to instruct Titus in what to look for in a leader of the church

Titus 3:8-11 - (4) exhortation of maintaining good works

The book of Hebrews was written by a Hebrew to other Hebrews to exhort them to stop acting like Hebrews of clinging to the Mosaic Law. The reason being that these newly converted Jewish "believers" were beginning to revert back to Judaism beliefs under the Law (works) rather than complete faith in Christ.

Heb. 2:1-3 - (4) deals with the first warning of "danger of neglect"
Heb. 3:12-14 - (4) warning of hardening the heart (separation from God)
Heb. 3:18-4:1 - (4) warning of non-belief due to them lacking faith (not works)
Heb. 4:6, 11 - (4) warning - some (believers) will return, unbelievers will not
Heb. 6:4-6 - (4) an exhortation that shameful unbelievers reject gift of salvation
Heb. 10:23-29 - (4) exhortation to hold fast the profession of faith
Heb. 10:35-36 - (4) warning of danger of drawing back
Heb. 12:12-17 - (4) exhortation to endure God's chastening
Heb. 12:25 - (4) warning of danger of refusing God

The book of James seems to be one of controversy to the Paul's teaching regarding faith. This extreme view, called antinomianism, held that through faith in Christ one is completely free from all Old Testament law, all legalism all secular law and all the morality of a society. The book of James is directed to Jewish Christians scattered among all the nations (James 1:1). Some people fail to recognize that James teachings on works complemented - not contradicted - Paul's teaching of faith. Having said that; the Pauline teachings concentrate on our justification with God, James teachings concentrate on the works that exemplify that justification. James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in this new Christian faith. James emphasizes that good actions will naturally flow from those who are filled with the Spirit and questions whether someone may or may not have a saving faith if the fruits of the spirit cannot be seen, much as Paul describes in Galatians 5:22-23.

James 1:14-16 - (4) an exhortation on the source of temptations
James 2:12-13 - (4) an exhortation that faith removes discrimination
James 4:4 - (4) an exhortation that faith produces humility
James 5:8-9 (4) an exhortation that faith endures awaiting Christ's return
James 5:19-20 - (4) an exhortation that faith confronts the erring brother

The Book of 1 Peter is a letter to the believers who had been dispersed though out the ancient world and were under intense persecution. He understood what it took to endure without bitterness, without losing hope and in great faith in living an obedient, victorious life. This knowledge of living hope in Jesus was the message and Christ's example was the one to follow.

1 Peter 1:14-17 - (4) an exhortation to be holy
1 Peter 3:9-12 - (4) an exhortation to be submissive in all of life
1 Peter 5:8-9 - (4) an exhortation to all saints (believers) to be humble

The book of 2 Peter deals with problems from the inside rather than problems from the outside like 1 Peter. Peter writes to warn believers about the false teachers who are peddling damaging doctrine.

2 Peter 1:3-4 - (4) an exhortation to grow in Christ
2 Peter 2:1-2 - (4) a warning of the danger of false teachers
2 Peter 2:14-15 - (4) a warning and description of false teachers
2 Peter 2:20-22 - (4) a warning and description of false teachers
2 Peter 3:17 - (4) an exhortation to grow in grace until Christ's return

The book of 1 John is unknown as to who he address the letter to, but it is believed that this epistle was address to the Asian churches that were within the realm of his oversight. His message is to refute erroneous doctrine and encourages his readership to walk in the knowledge of the truth. It is important to remember that some of these believers were still practicing the Law (works).

1 John 2: 3-4 - (4) an exhortations to obey God's commandments
1 John 3:11-12 - (4) an exhortation to practice righteousness
1 John 3:14-18 - (4) an exhortation of an act of love and truth
1 John 5:17- (4) an exhortation to guidance in prayer

The book of 2 John was written as reminder to continue walking in obedience to God's commandment to love one another, although his primary purpose was to deliver a warning not to associate with or assist false teachers who do not acknowledge the truth about Jesus Christ.

2 John 8-9 - (4) a warning of doctrine of false teachers

The book of 3 John is the shortest book in the Bible. This offers a stark contrast between two men. Faithful Gaius responds with generosity and hospitality, but faithless Diotrephes responds with arrogance and opposition. Thus John writes the letter to commend Gaius for walking in the truth and to condemn Diotrephes for walking in error.

3 John 11 - (4) an exhortation on the pride of Diotrephes

The book of Jude is an important book for us today because it is written for the end of the church age. The church age began at the Day of Pentecost. Jude is the only book given entirely to the great apostasy. Jude writes that evil works are the evidence apostasy. He admonishes us to contend for the faith, for there are tares among wheat. False prophets are in the church and the saints are in danger. Jude is small but important book worthy of study, written for the Christians of today.

Jude 5-6 - (4) an exhortation of past judgment of false teachers

The book of revelation is the only New Testament that focuses primarily on prophetic events. Its title means "unveiling" or "disclosure". Thus the book is the unveiling of the character and program of God. It presents futuristic events of things to come.

Rev: 2:4-5 - (4) an exhortation of warning/message to the church of Ephesus
Rev. 2:13-16 - (4) an exhortation of warning/message to the church of Pergamos
Rev. 3:2-3 - (4) an exhortation of warning/message to the church of Sardis
Rev. 3:11 - (4) an exhortation of warning/message to the church of Philadelphia
Rev. 16:15 - (4) an exhortation of warning based on the sixth vial being pour out
Rev. 21:7-8 - (4) an exhortation of warning as the new heaven/earth descends
Rev. 22:19 - (4) a warning of condemnation to all individuals/churches who add their own false doctrines which are not Scriptural or adding words or false interpretations, or subtracting from the word of God to serve their own doctrines.
Conclusion: Again I respectfully do not give any credence to the verses you quoted that a believer can lose his salvation. I do have some questions as to:

1. Did not one of the thieves hanging next to Jesus, was he not saved just by faith? He didn't even have a chance to do good works that was needed for salvation?

2. At what point is a person truly saved?

3. If works are needed for salvation, what kind of works and how many works or how much works is or is not enough for salvation and who makes this determination.

4. Did not Jesus do all the work under the law for us, when He said it is finished?

5. If Jesus is the only one who died for us and the only one to save us? Who else?

6. Why pray to others? Isn't praying to others denying faith in Jesus only?

7. Does not one of the commandments forbids idolizing or prayers to other Gods?

8. What is your definition of a false God?

9. What role does the Holy Spirit have in salvation?

10. Does the Holy Spirit saves while you are alive or after you die?

11. Does the Holy Spirit save permanently or just temporarily?

These are only a few questions that I have for you and I would appreciate it if you could answer referencing scripture only and not with manmade doctrines. I have asked elders, priests, sisters (Nuns) and quite a few catholic church members (friends, relatives dear to me whom I love and am always careful not to offend them in these discussions, but I guess they are not very much open to scripture). I see that you have written a few articles and presume that you are student or maybe an Elder in the Church; and devoted to scripture, maybe we both can learn from each other in our walk of faith; or at least, if I am wrong, correct me.

Sincerely a Friend in Jesus,
Elias

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