Knowing for sure one is going to heaven

[37818]

The reason I accepted Christ, was on the premise one can know for sure. If one cannot, then Christianity is no different in the end than any other religion.

[phat8594]

this poll doesn't really make sense, IMO.

[37818]

this poll doesn't really make sense, IMO.

What is it that does not make sense to you? No one knows when they will die. In my view the only way one can know for sure one can go to heaven (rest) is if God who saves is the God who keeps those whom He saves. Does that help?

[Bill the Cat]

Both are scripturally stated as necessary for our inheriting the Kingdom of God.

[Teallaura]

He seems to be asking is the work of remaining saved that of God or of Man.

My answer is that God provides the means and the grace of salvation. If it is possible to lose salvation, it isn't a matter of mere error but a conscious, willful decision to reject God altogether - and I'm not sure it is even possible (seems unlikely one truly saved would make that decision - but that opens yet another can of theological worms). As far as 'maintaining' or, more precisely, working out one's salvation, it's Man's will but God's grace - we have a part but only in the choosing. God does all the actual work. Face it, humans don't do those kinds of work well at all. As a result, I don't think it would even be possible to 'stay' saved without God's intervention and grace.

[One Bad Pig]

I don't think God gives out "get out of hell free" cards.

Source: Phil 2:12-13 NKJV

¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you 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; ¹³ for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

© Copyright Original Source

We can be confident that God is working in us, but that doesn't mean we can assume salvation without putting in any effort of our own.

Source: Luke 12:37-38

³⁷ Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. ³⁸ And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

© Copyright Original Source

We can't just assume God will keep us ready, or Jesus' words here have little meaning. We need to make sure we are vigilant and prepared for His return (or our death).

[RBerman]

this poll doesn't really make sense, IMO.

I must agree. The two choices are not mutually exclusive, and the issue of having eternal life (which is what the answers address) is different from the issue of knowing whether you have it (which is what the question asks about).

[KingsGambit]

One of the paradoxes of Scripture is that we are to be ever vigilant about where we stand (2 Corinthians 13:5, along with many other verses) but at the same time, there is an expectation that we feel confident about our own salvation (1 John 5:13-14). Trying to "smooth this out" misses the point, in my view - both stances are true but represent different emphases.

[Obsidian]

If it is possible to lose salvation, it isn't a matter of mere error but a conscious, willful decision to reject God altogether - and I'm not sure it is even possible (seems unlikely one truly saved would make that decision - but that opens yet another can of theological worms).

If you aren't sure it's possible, then what makes you even suggest it? All the people who twist verses to teach that you can lose your "eternal" life also teach that it is possible to lose it accidentally, or through strong temptation. No church has ever taught that the only people who can lose their "eternal" life are those who willfully and freely chose to forfeit it. And there is no Bible verse that even comes remotely close to teaching such a concept.

This concept -- intentionally choosing to go to hell -- is basically just a philosophical idea that you thought up.

I don't think God gives out "get out of hell free" cards.

Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

[Obsidian]

The two choices are not mutually exclusive, and the issue of having eternal life (which is what the answers address) is different from the issue of knowing whether you have it (which is what the question asks about).

John 11
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, [I am not really sure, Lord; I don't want to be overly confident and later turn out not to be one of God's fraudulent elect]

Hebrews 11
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is [possibly] a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

1 John 5
11 And this is the record, that God hath [probably but not necessarily] given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that [think that you] believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may [hope that, but not be sure about whether,] ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

[seanD]

Those who endure to the end shall be saved, which is indicative that enduring is not guaranteed.

[Teallaura]

If you aren't sure it's possible, then what makes you even suggest it? All the people who twist verses to teach that you can lose your "eternal" life also teach that it is possible to lose it accidentally, or through strong temptation. No church has ever taught that the only people who can lose their "eternal" life are those who willfully and freely chose to forfeit it. And there is no Bible verse that even comes remotely close to teaching such a concept.

This concept -- intentionally choosing to go to hell -- is basically just a philosophical idea that you thought up.



Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Did you totally miss the OP? Jesus says that He doesn't lose what the Father gives Him - so 'oops' seems extremely illogical as a means of losing salvation. OBP cited a couple verses that may mean salvation can be lost (I don't agree but it can legitimately be read that way) so the concept of losing salvation is derived from Scripture - and the two together would indicate that it tain't an easy thing to do.

Theology - not just for breakfast.

[Obsidian]

One Bad Pig believes in salvation by works. Do you really think he would agree with the theory that it is difficult to lose salvation? SeanD sure didn't make it sound very difficult to lose. My point is that you can potentially read the Bible to teach that salvation is impossible to lose, or that it is fairly easy to lose. To claim that it is possible, but extremely difficult, seems like a terribly unrealistic view. It is a view based more on philosophy ("How can God take away my freedom to prevent me from going to hell if I really want to?") as opposed to scripture.

[KingsGambit]

I believe salvation can be lost (and no, this does not equate to works salvation), but I disagree with the notion that this is difficult, and I think Obsidian is right to point out that this is not a tenable position. It could be lost through gradual apathy over time (the parable of the foolish virgins), with quite literally no effort. It can be easy to allow oneself to be dulled by the allures of the world if one does not continually feed their faith (again, this feeding of the faith is NOT the means by which salvation is earned).

[Truthseeker]

means by which salvation is earned).

1) You think we must earn salvation. 2) Possibly you think not just any way to earn salvation will do.