From these verses above, they all point out the same thing. A person will be known by their fruits. When true conversion takes place in the life of a believer, changes will surely happen for the good. They may not be big changes at first, but changes will take place, and will be seen by you personally. This is what count’s most to you. Others may not notice them right away, but don’t be too concerned with this. For in time they will notice the change in you too. More often then not, others are always looking for that big change right away. This is not how our Heavenly Father always works; He deals with each one on an individual basis. He alone knows how fast we can accept new changes. Remember! Each one of us is still in the kitchen oven, being baked unto perfection.

      Although repentance is truly a must, in order for salvation to occur; this, as well as all the other promises in the Bible are claimed by Faith. As we look at the next verse of scripture in which we’ll be dealing with, this will be seen more clearly.

      Ephesians 2:8-9, imparts to us exactly how salvation comes: “ For by grace are you saved, through faith, not of yourself, it is the gift of Yahweh. Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Here we can see three main points of interest being conveyed to us.

      First: Salvation is a Gift. What this means is, unmerited favor, Yahweh’s un-conditional love toward all sinners. Titus 2:11 says “For the grace of Yahweh that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Every man, women, and child has the opportunity in receiving this great gift. Not one! No! Not One Is Left Out! But, a person must be freely willing to accept this wonderful gift of salvation.

      Now, we need to ask ourselves: How do we go about receiving this wonderful gift of salvation? Well! John 3:16, a well-known verse of scripture, sums it up best; “ For Yahweh (God) so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

      It is through the Son of Yahweh, believing in Him, that we receive Salvation. Just as the prophets of the Old Testament foretold, it was through the Messiah by which we could be saved. Yahshua Messiah (Jesus) is the Son of Yahweh. And, Yahshua said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” This is the authority and anointing, the Father gave to His Son when He was baptized by the Apostle John in the river Jordan. If you recall, up until Yahshua was baptized, there was no record of Him every healing any one, casting out demons, or raising any one from the dead. He had no authority, anointing, or power to do so. When He came up out of the water, Matthew 3:16 says “Lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of Yahweh descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.” The Bible tells us, He was thirty years old at the time this took place. This is when He received the authority, anointing, and power. The Father was well pleased with Him. (See Mr. 1:10; Lu. 3:22; Jo. 1:32.)

      This same authority, anointing, and power, is available for all believers today. We can see this in Luke 24:49, when Yahshua was speaking to the Disciples, “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Yahshua was going to prepare them with the same power which He had received, so that they could carry out the works that He, Himself was doing. From that day forward, the day of Pentecost: right up to today, that same power and authority is available to us, if we do one thing first; We must Believe in Him (Yahshua) whom the Father has sent. This is the beginning or start of Conception; the forming of a new life, Step One, each individual must take.

      This is similar to here in the natural world, when a woman decides to have a baby, conception must take place first. Then comes the development stage. Under normal conditions nine months is the elapse time. Then occurs the delivery. A person going through this process in the Spiritual Birth, reflects the same process. Although, it could take a much longer period of time, depending upon a person’s effort while in the developing stage. Many who have been born again, even for many years, are still in the development stage, caused by a lack of teaching and/or effort.

      Second: Faith! Even though it is by grace that we are saved, it is only through Faith by which we can receive salvation. In Hebrews 11:6 it reads, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to Yahweh must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Here we see that faith plays a major part pertaining to the things of Yahweh. So we need faith to receive salvation.

      Now we need to understand a little about faith. How do we receive faith? What is faith? What can Faith do for us?

      Romans 12:3 gives us the first answer. For it reads, “But Yahweh hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” This is how we started out with faith. Everyone has it. This includes what we refer to as intellectual faith, and spiritual faith. We need both, in order to be able to operate in this earth realm. Once a person becomes born again, then they begin to grow more in spiritual faith. This is seen in Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the word of Yahweh.” This is how a person becomes stronger in their own spiritual faith,
through hearing the Word. The word "hearing", in this verse is Infinitum, without ending. Often, people will say “Oh, I’ve heard that already, I don’t need to hear that again.” Well! If you are walking in defeat, you didn’t really hear it the first time, because you would have retained it, and done something with it. This is the reason why we need to hear the same thing over and over, until we get into our spirit-man and act upon it. In fact! Faith is the most important ingredient in the Plan of Salvation.

      Think of it in this way: If you were going to make bread, and left out the yeast, would the bread rise while being baked? I’m afraid not. You would just have flat bread. So, when you leave out faith in the plan of salvation, it too comes up flat, without any substance to it. Therefore, you can have no victory in your life, over worldly things.

      What is faith you ask? Hebrews 11:1, gives us this answer. “ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” What most people don’t understand, what is meant by “Now, Faith Is.” Faith is Present Tense. Faith is Now. When you use your faith, your operating in the now, aren’t you? Your believing for what you want, now. Where as, when you speak of “Things Hoped For,” refers to the future. This is the reason why so many Christians never receive the blessings others do, because they are simply still hoping. And, they are always walking around lacking and always walking in defeat. This will be covered more in the section on Prayer. Yet, all in all, it boils down to this. Without faith there can be no salvation.

      One other feature given to us on faith (many would like to overlook), is found in Romans 3:27 “By the law of faith.” We can see by this verse faith is a Law. For those who claim and teach that we are no longer under the law, this may not set very well with them. But, here it is, right in the Bible. When one uses the Law of Faith in their life, this supersedes the law of sin and death, which the believer has been redeemed from. Every person, whether one likes it or not, must follow and live under law.

      The Bible is quite clear on this issue, although it is being disclaimed by ministers. For in 1 John 3:4 says “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” Now, if we know that a Christian can still sin after being born again, and needs to ask for forgiveness from time to time: How can this be possible, if we’re no longer under any law? If there is no law, there is no sin. Do we live in a sinless world? Of course not! Therefore, what does this all mean? We are still under a law, which is Yahweh’s Divine Law, His Commandments.

      To verified this out, we’ll look at two verses of scriptures, one in the NT and one in the OT. In Romans 4:15 reads “For where no law is, there is no transgression.” Now, Numbers 15:31 reads “Because he hath despised the word of Yahweh, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off.” There are many other scriptures that we could use, but these two are enough to get the picture. We need to move on.

      Faith is a major key to everything in life. What can faith do for us? For one thing, and most important of all, it can bring us salvation. It helps us, to “Fight the good fight of faith“ as seen in 1 Titus, 6:12. It can help to “cure and save the sick“ (James 5:15). It helps over come stress, worry, depression, loneliness, give us courage, patience, peace, joy, and so much more. There is a lot more that could be said on faith. But you can check this out in the Faith Section. We need to finish up on explaining Ephesians 2:8-9, and on the part which talks about works.

      Third: Works! Ephesians 2, verse 9, clearly points out that, we’re not saved by works. Now, since we know that we can’t be saved by works, we need to clarify the importance of works in the life of those who are saved and to those who want to become saved. Yes! We must do Works.

      One of the first places that we’ll look at is in James 2:26, for it reads “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Just what is James speaking about here? Let’s analyze the first part of that verse. “ Body without the spirit is dead.” We know that without the spirit of life in the body, it is totally useless, empty, barren, fruitless, worthless. We could say, not good for nothing, dead, of no value.

      In the second half of that same verse we read “faith without works is dead also.” James here is conveying to us or is implying the very same definitions as given above for the first half of that verse. We must see this verse in a literal sense, as a matter of fact, and not as something he spoke off the top of his head, just for something to say.

      While we’re here in chapter two of James, let us look at what else he said. Verse 17, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James simple says. Faith apart from works is dead, faith being alone. Verse 20, “But wilt thou know (notice that he is trying to tell us something) O vain (arrogant, conceited, egotistic) man, that faith without works is dead.” This is extremely valuable knowledge; When we tie it up with verse 14, “What {doth it} profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?”

      Wow! Look what James just ask. “Without works, can faith save you?” Of course not! “Why not?” You may ask. For I was told: “By faith alone I am saved.” Well, you are right in part, and wrong in another. That’s why is there has been so much confusion about doing “Works“ when it comes to being saved. This is mainly caused by ministers taking Scripture out of context, and has lead many into not being really saved. And along with this, many ministers may add this “Christ (Yahshua) has done it all for you on the cross (tree), there’s nothing more that we can do. It’s all been done for us.” This has added even a more dangerous countenance to the situation.

      This has messed up more people’s lives than I can think of. Now, I am not coming against per-say preachers. What I am coming against is, they’re not teaching you the “Whole Truth.” And this is what James is trying to do, he’s giving it to you and I like it should be. Whether we like it or not! We must put our faith to work.

      Let’s look at what Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 1:3, “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith.” Paul’s, conveying to the people the same message as James is. Faith is an action noun, and we must put it to work.

      Also, he tells us this in 1 Philippians 2:12, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Again we see the word - Work.

      Here are some more scriptures pertaining to works. Remember that scripture will always back up scripture.

      Proverbs 13:4, “The soul of the sluggard (one who is lazy, not willing to work) desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”

      John 6:27-28, “Labour (work) not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” Vs. 28, “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of Yahweh.”

      Romans 2:7, “To them who by patient continuance in well doing (work) seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life.”

      Galatians 6:8-9, “For he that soweth (work) to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth (work) to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Vs. 9 “And let us not be weary in well doing (work): for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

      Hebrews 6:10, “For Yahweh [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

      Hebrews 4:11, “Let us labour (work) therefore to enter into rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

      As you can see, all of the verses of scriptures speak of the same thing - Work. I know that it may seem we’re spending a lot of time on this subject of work; But I believe that it is necessary for you to know and understand how important it is in the over all picture of your salvation. Don’t become deceived by man, into thinking that you don’t have to do anything but, just believe, or that you are saved by grace alone, or faith alone: It’s just not true. Look at when Paul preached the gospel, which is Yahweh's wise counsel for man's salvation. In 1 Corinthians 2:5, Paul tells us "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power (Spirit) of Yahweh."

      Paul is very clear here, when he points out in this verse to where a person's faith is to be directed. Yet, for hundreds of years, people have trusted in the wisdom of men, even as it was true in the early church, causing many to be led away from the
Real Truth. The Bible warns us over and over again, one will not be able to walk in the ways of the world (of men) and at the same time have any hope in receiving the great promise of eternal life. Even though we must live in the world, we are not to follow in its ways. See 1 John, 2:15,16.

      " True Salvation " for an - Individual, only comes in knowing what Yahweh's Word has to say about this matter. Each person must take upon him or her self, the responsibility for one's own actions toward becoming saved. For too long now, people have relied merely upon what others have told them. Even though Yahweh can use other people in helping one to become saved, we are also told "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they're of Yahweh: because many false prophets are gone into the world." (1 John 4:1)

      As we can clearly see here, John gives warning of false prophets and we're to test the spirit; Just as Yahshua (Jesus) gave the same warning when He said in Matthew 7:15: " Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." When He speaks about inwardly, this is talking about a person's heart, man’s inward spirit. This is the real you. No on can see that part of you but Yahweh. Others can only see what you’re like by your outward actions. Your actions will produce true fruits of love, or they will not. As well as you receiving True Salvation.

      We know that from the Bible, not everyone who claims to know Yahweh, really knows Him! Let us clarify this point, by reading in Matthew 7:21-23. "Not everyone that saith unto me, teacher, teacher, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, teacher, teacher, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity."

      As we can see, from these three verses, many wonderful things can take place in our lives, yet may not be coming from our heavenly Father. We also know that there is a counterfeit God! See Ep. 6:12; Re. 2:10; and 2 Cor. 11:13-15. This enemy can appear as an angel of light and deceive us by counterfeiting all the blessings Yahweh has to give to us. He works out this same deception in the area of Salvation too. This is why we're to "try the spirits."

      One must be also reminded, just because you may have experienced a supernatural experience, being manifested through feelings and emotions, doesn't always mean that it's coming from Yahweh. Any encounter of a supernatural nature, coming from our Creator - serves to enlighten that person. This is received by the inner-man, your spirit, the real you. As one goes through this experience, it could manifest in many forms, as a Word of Acknowledgment in regards to Spiritual Truths, a Physical Healing, Financial Blessings, or whatever the need may be at the time.

       Whereas, when Satan or his demonic spirits come on the scene, they will try to influence you through the Physical Senses of your mind, the Intellectual appendage, touching upon you’re feelings and emotions. When a person allows one to rely only upon emotions and feelings alone, many problems can arise. Even causing a person to be led down the wrong pathway of life, and the ending results could be you’re becoming lost forever in an eternal lake of fire.

      Once a person becomes Born Again, and they are ollowing in the teachings of the Bible, there should be no doubt as to whether one is saved or not. As you begin to go through scriptures, let the scriptures speak to your spirit and you’ll see that there is a step by step process that needs to be followed for True Salvation to take place, which is called Conception, Development, and Delivery. Which was explained in a simple way earlier, through the parable of the sower.

      So far, remember, that what we have examined concerning the topic of salvation; That these are only very small fragments of the Total Sum. You now need to start studying the Bible for yourself, toward learning of the deeper truths surrounding your own personal walk in salvation.

      Before we look at two more questions centered around the subject of salvation, and because of the length of information involved in explaining them; If you have not been saved, I want to give you that chance right now. You don’t have to be in a church, you can do it right where you are now. You’re Heavenly Father will meet you right where your at. This is all you need to do, along with you really meaning it from your inner being. Make a confession with your mouth, speaking out, so that you can hear yourself.

      Heavenly Father, in the name of Yahshua (Jesus), I know that I am a sinner, and that through Your grace and mercy, I need Your forgiveness for all my sins. I believe that Yahshua (Jesus) is Your only begotten Son, and that He died and rose again, that I could receive forgiveness for my sins through Him. Now, as I confess Yahshua (Jesus) as my personal Lord and Saviour. I now turn away from all of my sins. I come to You in His righteousness. Father, I thank You for Your forgiveness through the blood of Your Son, and I am now born again by Your Spirit, in Yahshua (Jesus) name. Amen!

      Now, we’ll address two main teachings taking place in the church, that has, and is still causing serious effects detrimental to the congregation at large.

      This message being taught, is a very serious teaching which is causing many people to stumble in their walk of salvation. If this statement is not thoroughly explained, it can give a person a free licence to sin. Before this question can be explained, one needs to understand just what a Covenant is first of all.

      According to the dictionary, a Covenant is, a binding and solemn agreement made by two or more individuals, parties, etc. to do or keep from doing a specified thing. A sealed contract also has a clause for damages for violation of such a contract. The Greek word is diatheke {dee-ath-ay'kay} meaning: a disposition, an arrangement, of any sort, which one wishes to be valid. This is the same type of contract, or solemn agreement that everyone enters into, when they accept the New Testament Covenant of Salvation.

      Now, this all seems to be and may sound quite simple for most people, but due to the lack of understanding, many feel or believe, that once they have received salvation, they will always keep it and can never lose it, based upon what they have been taught, or to what certain Scriptures might seem to reveal, without ever looking at the whole picture of things.

      For those of you, who have read and know what your Bible says, you'll recall that in the OT, Yahweh was for the people, and with the people; Where as in the NT, Yahweh is for the people, with the people, and in the people: those who have chosen to follow in His Word. This is what makes' the New Covenant better than the Old. That's why we are told "Greater is he (Yahweh) that is in you, than he (Satan) who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

      Now, that we know a Covenant is a binding and solemn agreement to do or to keep; Carefully note this part of the meaning given above, which one wishes to be valid; you'll understand later why I pointed this out.

      In order to have a valid covenant, we need at least two individuals who will enter into the covenant. When this takes place, one needs a COVENANTOR: one who will write the agreement, being in this case - God or Yahweh; Then next, one needs a COVENANTER: one who wishes to enter into the covenant, which in this case is - You. Once this transaction has been completed between the two parties, between you and God or Yahweh, this is now become an Official Covenant, or Agreement between two parties.

      In the natural world, in which we live, most of us have come across this same sort of thing; Either, when we went to purchase a home, buy a car, or obtain some kind of insurance policy. An agreement document was drawn up, in which you had to sign on the dotted line, showing that you were willing to abide to everything stated within. Through signing this document, you gave your word, and they gave their word.

       This is completely what one would execute, in accepting the Gift of Salvation. By giving your word and making a total commitment to that word. Also, remember that salvation is only one portion of Yahweh’s Covenant, for all of the other promises given in the Bible, they are ours too, and there is a total of more than seven thousand of them.

      How does one sign this Agreement or Covenant? One does this orally, by giving their word, through faith, by repenting, confessing, and believing: that Yahweh’s who He says He is, and that Yahshua is His Son, whom He has sent into the world that none should perish, but may have everlasting life.

      Once you have accepted this agreement; you now have accepted all the guide lines, conditions and terms which are written within. By agreeing to this covenant, Yahweh (God) has SEALED IT, by the Blood of Yahshua (Jesus): saying
it will never be broken by Him. Notice, Yahweh gave His Word, and it is to be everlasting.

      When you came on the scene, you also made a promise: giving YOUR WORD. Now we know that Yahweh will Keep His Word: But will you keep YOUR WORD? Until, Everlasting? I pray you truly do. No one else can speak for you, only you can speak for yourself.

      Now we come to the good part, or maybe not, for some. As to whether a person can lose their salvation, all based on the terms of what, a Covenant requires. As we search out the scriptures, to see if this is possible, keep this thought in your mind; If you do not keep up the payments on your house or car, which you have sign an agreement to do, will you be able to keep them?

      For too long now, ministers who are preaching the Word, are doing one of two things. Either they are preaching a false doctrine, or an incomplete doctrine. It would be my hope that it is the latter. Yet, nevertheless, this has caused much confusion, not only in the area of salvation, but, in many other areas of the Word also. Its time people begin to know the truth. So, Please! Keep an open mind to the scriptures presented.

      When Paul was speaking to the Hebrews believers, he was forewarning them what they could expect if they were to turn away once again; This is after Yahshua had gone to be with His Father, and this also applies to us for today.

      We begin reading, in Hebrews 6:4-6. "For [it is] IMPOSSIBLE for those who were ONCE ENLIGHTEN, and HAVE TASTED of the heavenly gift, and were MADE PARTAKERS of the Holy Spirit, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the power of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God AFRESH, and put [him] to open shame."

      In verse 4 it says, "for it is IMPOSSIBLE”: IMPOSSIBLE to do what? RENEW THEM AGAIN UNTO REPENTANCE, as written in vs. 6. The word, impossible here refers to falling back to a place of no hope. A place of not being able to be renewed. If this, could not be so; Then why does Paul need to give them this warning? Are these not Yahweh’s inspired Words, which Paul was speaking?

      Going back to verse 4 again, we'll see some other things that are truly revealing. "For those who were Once Enlighten." Who are those, who were once Enlightened, referring to? To all the Hebrew people. This is to whom Paul was talking. Enlighten to what? Yahweh’s Word. Now, "and have Tasted." What had they Tasted? The Heavenly Gift. What was that gift, spoken about here? One would have to believe, that it was the Gift of Salvation. Why? Just take a look at what follows next: "And were made PARTAKERS of the Holy Spirit."

      Stop, and ask yourself this question; How does one become a Partaker of the Holy Spirit? One first must receive salvation, by accepting Yahshua into their life; then one becomes a Partaker, and receives the Holy Spirit. If you know anything, about what the Bible has to say, about Salvation and the Spirit; you will know that Salvation comes first, then the Holy Spirit. For Paul to say, that they were made Partakers, they must have been able to become Partakers through Salvation first. By accepting Yahshua into their lives, for this is the only way one can receive the Holy Spirit.

      Paul is certainly showing us, that we could lose, not only our salvation; forfeiting our partnership with the Holy Spirit, but losing eternal life with our Heavenly Father. The main reason for this, is because we have crucified the Son of Yahweh "AFRESH" or "AGAIN." Afresh, means: anew, to do something over again, in a new manner or form. This was the warning which Paul was giving to all believers. Peter was giving a warning to the believers also, in his second epistle, on the very same topic.

      2 Peter 2:20-22 reads, "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of Yahweh and the Saviour Yahshua Messiah, they are again entangled in them, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. (21) For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known, to turn from the holy commandments delivered unto them. (22) There has befallen them the thing spoken of in the true proverb: The Dog returns to his own vomit, and, The sow that is washed, only to wallowing again in the mire.”

      Notice what verse, 20 says "They are again entangled in them, and overcome." To say, "They are again entangled and overcome”; this has to imply that they were once able to overcome, and did so, by what Peter says in the very next verse; "For it would have been better for them not to have known the ways of righteousness." Look at verse 20 once more, "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of Yahweh and the Saviour Yahshua Messiah, they are again entangled in them, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning."

      In order for Peter to say, “after they have Escaped”; Wouldn't you think they must have escaped from something? They did! Yes! From the pollution of the world, all the corruption that was in it, and they had known the ways of righteousness. Yet, there were scoffers, probably just like today, who are saying: "I'm saved. I've accepted Yahshua Messiah. There's no way that I can lose it. Furthermore, my minister said, that I’m Forever Sealed by the Word of Yahweh, Forever Sealed by the Blood of Yahshua.”

      Although, these statements are certainly true, in one sense, we need to learn and correctly understand who has done the Sealing, and how it is to be kept enforced. If you’re tending to believe, once sealed, never opened, or broken.

      In order for one to stay Sealed in a Covenant, that person must always Abide in Him (Yahshua), and He Abiding in them. Don’t forget! Whom did the Sealing in the first place? It was Yahweh. Just as Adam was able to become separated from Yahweh, every one of us is able to make that same choice.

      Most people when they first come to the Lord, do come in sincerity; Notice, that I said most, not all. The reason for this, is, like the parable of the sower, which was broken down into four groups, the same can be done here. There are people who come, First: Because they think they should; Second: Because they feel they should; Third: Because they are told they should; Fourth: Because they know that they should.

      At the time, which everyone came, they all were most sincere. Yet, like the four groups in the parable of the sower, only the last group was the ones who made it all the way through the Salvation Process. Here in this illustration, it will be the last group who knew it was the right thing to do. Now, you must remember, because this illustration varies a little from that of the sower, does not reflect that others from the first three groups won’t become truly saved. But, more than likely, they will come from the last group, only due to the fact, that they know it’s the right thing to do. However, it will still take a lot of hard work, on your part sometimes. The Bible never promised anyone that they would always be living on a bed of roses. The Word does say, as long as we walked in the pathway of Yahshua, we are going to suffer for His name sake. So, make sure that you keep your faith and grow in it, and He will see you through.

      Before we continue on, here is a real life story experience showing the dangers of the Once Saved Always Saved message. To which, I was a personal witness to this event. One morning after a church service, a woman approached the Pastor with her problem. She said to the Pastor, “I have two teenage daughters who have become born again; And since you have been preaching for the last couple of weeks, on Once Saved Always Saved; My two daughters have come to me saying: because they are now saved forever, that they can go back out into the world partying it up, drinking and doing drugs again. What can I do or say to them?” This was the reply: “Well, just keep praying for them, asking God to intervene on their behalf, and keep trusting that He’ll take care of everything.”

      Now, telling the woman to pray, was a good thing. Praying is always good. But, this situation required more than just praying. Yes, our Heavenly Father will answer prayers. Yet, most people have no concept to how He answers prayer. Because we live in the earth realm, God (Yahweh) has already provided everything here, for us to use. This involves His using other people. In this situation, the Pastor was negligent in preaching the full True Gospel message, by telling the people, if you want to keep your salvation, you must also abide in the Commandments. Even though it is by grace, through faith, that we are saved, we must also keep the Commandments; Herein lies the danger of not preaching a complete doctrine as outlined in the Bible. Hope this has helped you to understand the problems of this type of message given in the churches today. If people are not aware of this problem, they could be walking on dangerous ground.

      Expressing briefly, for your awareness, in1 John 5:16 reveals to us " There is a sin unto death." What is this sin that we could commit unto death? Let us take a look at the Gospel of Luke.

      Luke 12:10, " And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven." (See also Mt. 12:31 & 32, Heb. 12:15)

      As most of you know, in what we call the real world, you more than likely have heard people who have cursed God, used the name of Jesus in vain; Yes, even Christians. Yet this verse tells us that we can be forgiven. But, if we blaspheme the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. With any kind of rational reasoning, this clearly shows that one could lose their salvation. Yes! Even a Christian who was once saved. Read the story of the judgment pronounced upon Ananias and his wife Sapphira, in chapter five of the book of Acts. They were both well known Christians during their time.

      In the book of Mark, 3:29, he records exactly the same thing "But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation."

      One of the major problems surrounding this issue, for most people, is a lack of understanding and teaching in what the word Blaspheme actually means. The definition of this word has many applications: 1. To speak irreverently or profanely of or to (God or sacred things); 2. Any remark or action held to be irreverent or disrespectful. As you can see, there are many meanings, such as gossiping, stealing, murder, lusts of the flesh, and includes lying. This is exactly what Ananias and Sapphira did, for Peter had said to them “Thou has not lied unto men, but unto Yahweh,” and immediately their spirit departed from them. They didn’t even have a chance to repent and ask for forgiveness. Therefore, always make sure that you are abiding in the Word of God, and that Word is abiding in you. If for any reason you should fall back a little, be quick to repent and ask for forgiveness.

      This sort of teaching has also hurt and hindered many Believing Christians. What a person does not realize, once you are saved, you are saved. There is no falling in and out of Salvation. Oh, Yes! You may backslide at times, but you have not lost your Salvation. What most ministers use in trying to prove their Saved Today, Lost Tomorrow, Saved Again message is the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke chapter fifteen. That story tells of a son who want to receive his wealth, coming to him from his father now. He went out into the world and wasted his money in riotous living. Until one day, he had nothing left, and then found himself eating with the swine. Then he came to his senses saying "How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father." (Luke 15:17-20)

      This story had a happy ending to it, as you will see when you read it. But, this is the story the ministers always use to show how one is saved, becomes lost, and then saved again. This story has nothing to do about what the minister is trying to teach you. This story merely shows how a person can backslide, all the way to rock bottom, before coming to their senses. The question that you need to ask yourself: What would of happened if this son had not come to his senses? He could have reached a place of no return. Just as many of the other people in the Bible had done through rejecting the Word.

      In case you don’t understand the difference between being Saved and Backsliding compared to being Saved and becoming Totally Lost, let me explain, so that you are not left with the idea that you have a license to sin, because you don’t! That choice is yours alone to make. In Yahweh knowing that you were being born into a world of sinful flesh, He also knew that it was possible for you to commit sin, yet He provided a way out. He gave man a free will in which to make choices with. The choice that you now make is one of two: Accept Yahshua as your Saviour Sent, or Not to Accept Him. Once you have accepted Him into your life, you must now follow in the principles set forth. Now, if you break one of those rules, this is called Backsliding, and you can continue to do this just as the Prodigal Son had done. We could say, that he hit Rock Bottom through his continuation to sin. But, through Yahweh’s grace and mercy, you have a chance to recover by repenting of what you did, and ask for forgiveness as the Prodigal Son did.

      However, you should not take the chance of waiting too long to repent and ask for forgiveness. Each time that you sin, you are Crucifying the Saviour all over again, or afresh, as Hebrews 6:6 reads. Herein lies the danger of becoming totally lost, once you have been saved. You can go too far by misuse of privileges given. When you go too far for that, there can be no way of returning. See, Yahshua died once for our sins, He cannot die again. Therefore, once you are saved, you are saved, upon your acceptance of the Saviour. One may backslide because of sinful flesh and come back to the Father. But, there is a place or point in the life of a believer, through continuous sinning that there is no way of returning. At this point, is when Yahweh says “Enough is Enough,” By shutting one off for good, from receiving any other of His blessings.

      In the story of Ananias and Sapphira, we are only told about one certain event taking place in their lives, in Acts chapter five, before they both died. Yet, one could surmise that it is possible, they were doing other things not pleasing to the Father also, which we are not told about. For one could ask “Why would a Loving Father give them only one chance?” The only possible answer could be one of two things: First, that they were doing other things not right; Or secondly, because they already knew right from wrong, and because of their high standing in the community, they were held more accountable for what they did. Nevertheless, this should be taken as a warning for us that we should always be doing what is right regardless of what we would like to do.

      Remember! Yahweh will never violate your free will of choice. You must receive Him and His Son freely, based on your determination of choice. Yahweh won't force anyone to do something that they don't want to do.

      In closing, on this section about Salvation, don’t forget, we have only covered a very small portion of all that is written in the Bible. So, please take the time to study for yourself. Get to know Yahweh’s Word. You will find out, that in the long run life will be a lot easier for you.

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