Hebrews 6: 4-12 NLT 4 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— 6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. 7 When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing. 8 But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it. 9 Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. 10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. 11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. It is often said that once someone is saved they are always saved. I fully agree with this statement but the real question is- How can you know if a person is saved? Notice that it says clearly- by rejecting the Son of God. Rejecting means it is active not just a one time rejection. And I would say that there are a few ways to reject Him. One is with your mouth and the other is with your actions. Although someone isn't saved by works, it is our works that reveal what we believe.
Though there are people walking around with a false confidence that they are saved I believe If a person is concerned whether or not they are saved than they likley are saved. At ESM I encourage our leaders to continually hold out hope. We should always preach the Gospel to others and ourselves. God through the Gospel will humble us and remind us that it is by grace that we are saved and that not of ourselves, it is a gift from God so that NO ONE can boast. At least that is what Ephesians 2:8-9 tell us. But it doesn't stop there. In verse 10 it says that we (those who are saved) are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. The Good News leads to good works. I love that the writer of Hebrews says- We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation.- and the writer points to their good works as evidence. In the end we are called to- follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. We all need to walk this Christian life with others. We like sheep go astray and also like sheep are shephered together. Ask Yourself: Am I part of a sheepfold? By this I mean- are you part of a group that encourages you to follow Jesus. It is an attitude of the heart that changes the direction of our feet. We can only encourage you. You have to make the choices to follow Jesus in every area of your life. We are not here to judge you but to walk with you. Have great day Loved Ones, and God bless you real good!
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