Baptists/Christian denomination

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/12/2009


Question
I want to know if the Christian Church believes that you can lose your salvation once you have been saved.

Thank You

Answer
That would depend upon the denomination.  Most Baptists are Securists and do not believe that you can lose your salvation.  Some of the mainline denominations would also hold to that.  Most Pentecostals would be Armninian or believe that you could.  Sime we now have hundreds, if not thousands of independent groups it is impossible to speak for all who profess to be Christian.  If they quote Calvin they are Securists but they may go too far in that theology.  Other groups would say that you could never know if you are saved or not until you die so they would not speak about losing it since you cannot know if you gained it.

The irony is that I have met very few who believe that you can lose your salvation who have ever felt like they had lost it and regained it or fear losing it.  I have run into many Securists who have felt like they have lost it.  That is why we must base our beliefs upon Scripture and not feelings or experience.

Neither Calvin nor Armminius were totally correct.  That is why it is best to study Scripture and see what it says.  Blessings to you as you seek His will through His Word.

Baptists

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dr. Ronald E. Shultz

Expertise

I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.

Experience

I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.

Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73

Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000


Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.