Once – Always?

The phrase “Once saved, always saved” has been at the center of Christian debate for generations. The Arminians and Calvinists have become the Christian Hatfields and McCoys. Churches define their message around these two identifying pillars.

People look for “life insurance” that guarantees that if they have a spiritual accident they will be covered by their biblical policy. Forgiveness and restoration of sin is a key to the Christian community. If their policy doesn’t cover “incidents,” they feel like they will have a life of insecurity.

Let’s look at this topic from a different perspective. What about “Once lost, always lost?” There are Christians who, by their willful disobedience, have condemned themselves to a spiritual darkness in which they feel there is no possibility of reconciliation. They are so ashamed of their actions that they believe there is no hope of forgiveness. Satan applauds the rebellious saint as he adopts his impressions. Christians can select Scripture to support their position on the consequences after sin, but when all is said and done, their reasoning is limited to interpretation. Why should we be so concerned about falling instead of standing? If we walk by faith, why would we want to walk by sight? Generally, those who care about their life insurance policy are the ones who are more about emotions and feelings. He who is in constant contact with his Provider will rest with the assurance that God will never leave or forsake him, and vice versa.

The Jewish people wandered from God countless times. Suffering for their disobedience, they experienced God’s punishment. Finally, God broke his life-giving root branch. Through their separation, the Gentiles were offered a place in the “chosen circle.” Through that effort, the Jews would see their blessings given to the Gentiles. The intention was to provoke the Jews to jealousy. Repenting would open the door to grafting. Today God’s patience is put to the test. There continues to be a rift from those who continually chose to show rebellion, BUT the graft opportunities will always be there. If one ever turns away from the Lord, he will experience the unfiltered aspects of Satan’s world. Seeing the chaos and remembering what you once had will lead to regret and graft. Once lost, always lost does not convey the intention of the Word of God, BUT there is a danger during the separation from the Tree of Life; if one were to die, there could be a question of where eternity will spend. (Reference: Romans, chapters ten and eleven.)

Rather than see if there is an escape clause from one’s salvation experience, why not spend the same energy looking at who we are in Christ and how we are sealed with the Holy Spirit? If a believer is truly committed, he will have no interest in trying to find a way out of faith! There are so many Biblical truths to occupy our time that we will have no interest in listening to Satan and his unbiblical suggestions.

If you’ve been AWOL, Heavenly Grafter is looking for you. He loves you and will welcome you when you acknowledge your actions and ask for forgiveness. Lost forever? It becomes a reality only when you choose to decline His offer.