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Baptists/Once in Grace always in Grace

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Expert: - 9/9/2009


Question
I noticed on one of your answers that you believed in always in grace me and my two study buddys we have studyed hard on this subject. I noticed you was refering to someone in water being saved the way we have studyed if you go out fishing on a boat and your friend falls off and you throw him a raffed in order to save your friend he has to grab a hold of the raffed and hold on  before you can save him he is not saved until he gets on the boat. John3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him SHOULD NOT PERISH, but have everlasting life. Roms6:14-16/Matt7:13-14

Answer
Not sure that this is a question but I think you misunderstood my analogy.  I may have needed to make it clearer. I would have to read the whole answer in context to see where I may have made it muddy.  If I throw the person a life preserver he may or may not be saved from drowning.  A large wave could drown him even with a life preserver or raft.  A shark could still eat him or something else harm him.  The life preserver is a part of the process of his salvation.  It changes his focus, gives him some hope of deliverance but until he is in the safety of the boat he is still in grave danger.  If he sees it but does not latch on to it, it will do him no good. If he feels he does not need it and continues to swim to the boat it does him no good.

A person who hears the Gospel has been thrown the life preserver or raft but he needs to see it.  It just goes over the head of some.  Some feel they do not need it as their good works will get them to safety.  Others cling to all sorts of small floating pieces of debris (baptism, membership, tithing, etc) hoping to build a raft or survive by those pieces.  Only when they see the need for the Gospel and latch on to it can Jesus pull them to safety.  Once they place their faith in Christ then they are immediately transferred from the sea to the Old Ship of Zion and are saved. Some will acknowledge the preserver intellectually but never put their faith to work and latch on.  It is only when they grab on that it saves.  Some touch it, read the writing on it, analyze what material it is made of but never truly grab on to it.  It is given and accessible but they are still afloat.  Once in the boat, they can't be pushed out or fall out.

Does that help?  Remember analogies all have weak spots and cannot cover every facet of the truth.  

Peace be unto you!  

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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

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