Once Saved, Always Saved? NO!

The Bible clearly warns that those once saved CAN be lost. The Holy Spirit said Simon believed and was baptized, Acts 8:12. Jesus said, "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16. So, Simon was SAVED. Due to his sin following, however, Peter told him he was "in the bondage of iniquity"—if he died in this condition, he was LOST! Peter said people who had been "bought" by the Master (2 Peter 2:1) and "escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of…Jesus Christ" (v. 20)— SAVED—would suffer "destruction" by God’s "judgment" (vv. 1,3) because they had "forsaken the right way" and "gone astray" (v. 15)— LOST!

But, didn’t Jesus say his sheep would "never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of my hand"? (John 10:27-28) Yes. But his "sheep" are people who "follow" Jesus (v. 27), and people can quit following Jesus. Simon did (see above). Peter told of some who did (above). Believers are warned, "Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God." (Hebrews 3:12) nasb. – Steve Fontenot

For further information mailed to you on this subject or to set up a Bible study, call (281) 446-2562, or write, humcofc@earthlink.net, or, PO Box 2706, Humble, TX, 77347.

The Church of Christ in Humble meets at 621 Herman St., corner of Ave. "F" and Herman St., Sundays at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.