Once saved? (Jesus, salvation, grace, doctrine, churches)

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by ChristineES

I take it like this-- Once I was born into my family, I was a part of my family. No matter what I do, even if I abandoned my family (I didn't do that)I will still be a part of that family. The same thing can be said of this-- once you are born again into God's family, you are always a part of that family, too.

I see what you're saying, Christine, but here's another way of looking at it. If you abandon your family, they may still love you, but your choices have estranged you from them. If you don't ever see them or talk to them and refuse to have anything to do with them, how are you benefitting from having been born into the family? Maybe a better question to ask is, when do you believe you were born into God's family? Were you part of His family when you were a baby? If not, what would have happened to you had you died before this second birth took place? Also, exactly what constitutes this second birth? If you were born again but a number of years later made a conscious decision that you really didn't want to be a part of His family, would He force you to?

[ChristineES]

Maybe a better question to ask is, when do you believe you were born into God's family? Were you part of His family when you were a baby?

Jesus told Nicodemus(in the Gospel of John) that a man must be "born again"... When a man accepts God, he is "born" into God's family. It isn't a literal birth but a spiritual birth.

[*Paul*]

I believe that once a person is truly born again they receive eternal life as their possession, for this life to be eternal it surely cannot perish, that would make it temporary life. Jesus said I give my sheep eternal life and they shall never perish, but many people take that to mean I will give my sheep eternal life if they have performed well enough as a believer up to the time they die.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by ChristineES

Jesus told Nicodemus(in the Gospel of John) that a man must be "born again"... When a man accepts God, he is "born" into God's family. It isn't a literal birth but a spiritual birth.

I understand that it's a spiritual birth, but what about little children who are uncapable of accepting God?

[Dunemeister]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I understand that it's a spiritual birth, but what about little children who are uncapable of accepting God?

God is just and merciful.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Dunemeister

God is just and merciful.

I realize that. (Thank goodness He is!) But when people talk of being a part of His family, this is an issue that always comes to mind. From my perspective, a child is born part of God's family. It's only when he starts getting older that he voluntarily chooses to leave the family. Being born again is how he returns. I don't believe God has any reason to be just and merciful to children, since Jesus said that "of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." Mercy is only required by those who have sinned, and I don't believe children (at least very young children) have.

[uss_bigd]

Originally Posted by rheff78

Fellow christians, I ask this because I am curious and I don't want to start spouting off things I don't understand (God knows people do that with me all the time). For those that believe in being saved. I don't quite get it. Does that mean if you have been saved, you are saved for ever? I guess I'm asking, do you no longer have to repent for your sins because you are saved? I only ask because obviously Catholics don't believe in being saved. Just a little help, the concept is lost to me. Peace.

Heb 6:4-5

"It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance,

There are people who were once enlightened, tasted heavenly gifts and shared the Holy spirit.

If these peoplw Fall away can they be brought back to repentance? Paul told the Hebrews it is impossible.

WHY?

Heb 6:6

because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.


I Hope this part of the Epistle of Paul were able to help.

[ChristineES]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I understand that it's a spiritual birth, but what about little children who are incapable of accepting God?

God is merciful. I don't believe Children under a certain age are held accountable.