This morning during my Bible study time I read Matthew chapter ten and ran into the fact that Judas, infamous betrayor of Christ, was also one who was sent out to do (and most likely did) miracles in verse 8. I suppose I’ve known that for some time, but the immensity of it hit me this morning. I suppose that would cause me to want to go out and throw myself down on a noose, too.

OK, that’s enough morbidity 🙂

I’ve been studying lately about the doctrine that is by some that you can lose your salvation. Catholics don’t teach this because they teach that you never know if/when you’re saved, and almost everyone must at least do some time in purgatory. However, the Foursquare church, the Nazarene church and others teach that you can lose your salvation. However, I’ve got several critical questions that I’d like answered for me (you may post a comment here or send me an email).

If at the point of salvation I have

1. Died (Romans 6:2-6)
2. Been buried (Romans 6:4)
3. Been resurrected (Romans 6:5)
4. Been ascended (Colossians 3:1)
5. Been hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3)
6. Been seated with Christ (Colossians 3:1,3)

How does all of that get done? By God’s grace. And can you please show me the place in scripture where any of that is contingent on my works? And can you show me the place where some of my sins are not covered by Christ’s atoning work? The two denominations I listed above believe you can regain the salvation you’ve lost. If that is the case then why does Hebrews 6:4-6 say you cannot regain your salvation if it is lost (assuming it is possible to lose your salvation, because the Greek makes it clear it is a hyopthetical question, I contend it is not). Therefore a second salvation is not possible.

If a person can lose their salvation then they must

1. Be unhidden in Christ
2. Unseated with Christ
3. Descend from the heavenlies
4. Be reburied
5. Undie
6. The old man must resurrect into life (or death, depending on how you want to look at it.)

Paul never write about those as an option.

On top of that Ephesians 2:5 says, “.. by grace you were saved…” which the Greek text has in the perfect tense – as in its a done deal.

I’m not losing my salvation.

I’ve had a conversation or two here that has made me want to say, “Get some basic understandings of Hermeneutics!” Understanding context, who the intended audience is, and what the key details of the language are makes a HUGE difference in what you conclude the interpretation and application are. If Christ was speaking directly to his disciples then just throwing yourself into their midst to gain direct application of what he said makes you a Disciple. “I am a disciple,” you say. Yes, but you are not one of The Disciples. And therein lies a great distinction. Don’t get confused about who you are in Christ. His disciples were small servants, we are called to be even smaller servants, more humble, more willing to serve… don’t try to be great and powerful, but be a simple vessel who can be used.

I also stuck my mouth in my foot (not a typo but a joke) last week when I went to breakfast with my brother and his mentor, Eric. I talked negatively about Benny Hinn (who is a heretic in my opinion). Eric didn’t seem to like my negativity about Benny. Then on Sunday at church the pastor, Louie, talked highly of him. Doh!

We’ve been working on Bible memory verses for Abby already, and here is last weeks, followed by this weeks:

Psalm 117:1
Praise the Lord All you nations;
Laud Him all you peoples.

I Thesellonians 5:16-17
Rejoice Always.
Pray without ceasing.