Expert: Brenda Martin - 10/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: Can a person who accepted Jesus as their Lord at one time and then in a fit of anger one time told God they hated Him and that they would follow Satan be forgiven? This person has repented and now loves the Lord but feels no peace. Is this person still saved? She sites Hebrews 10:26 as proof that she cannot be forgiven. She lives in total fear daily. I would appreciate your opinion. Thank you.

ANSWER: Sorry Brenda but the bible doesnt teach "once saved always saved" but it does teach that God; "forgives in a large way"

Looking at the scripture in Hebrews--Only God knows if a person has committed the unforgivable sin. However, Paul shed light on this matter when he wrote: “If we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, but there is a certain fearful expectation of judgment.” (Hebrews 10:26, 27)

A willful person acts deliberately, or is “obstinately and often perversely self-willed.” (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary) Anyone willfully and obstinately continuing to practice sin after he knows the truth is not forgiven. Hence, it is not so much the sin itself as it is the heart condition, the degree of willfulness involved, that affects whether the sin is forgivable or not.

On the other hand, what is likely the case when an erring Christian is deeply disturbed about his wrongdoing? His great concern probably indicates that he has not, in fact, committed an unforgivable sin.

Lets take the scripture in bits ok, it says "PRACTICE SIN" that is not making a one off mistake, it is an ongoing practice.

then it says "after he knows the TRUTH" that narrows it down a bit, because although many folk think they know the "truth" from the bible they in fact dont, only those who actually do KNOW the truth are accountable. (Matthew 7;21-23)

From my knowledge & experience your friend doesnt fit the folk mentioned here.

first she must have been in the truth, (1 Timothy 2;4)then secondly she must be PRACTICING sin.

Im happy to answer any questions this answer may have posed.

all the best
Brenda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer. I do have a follow up question. You said anyone that continues to practice sin after he knows the truth is not forgiven? What then does it mean to be a back-slidden Christian? I know in my early years I confessed Jesus as Lord but then fell back into my old lifestyle for many years. I now am trying to follow the Lord. Does it mean that I am not forgiven since at one time I knew the truth but continued to walk in my old ways?

Answer
"anyone that continues to practice sin after he knows the truth is not forgiven? What then does it mean to be a back-slidden Christian?"

"back sliding & practicing" are two different things,while its true that God is the final Judge of wrongdoers & all of us must render an account to him,he always does what is right. (Genesis 18:25; Romans 14:12)God determines whether we have committed an unforgivable sin, and he can withdraw his spirit from us. (Psalm 51:11)

HOWEVER,if we are deeply grieved over a sin we have committed, it is very likely that we are truly repentant.

"Back sliding" that leads to repentance receives God's forgiveness

"Practicing sin" means a person is unrepentant & intends to carry on with his sinful course.
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"at one time I knew the truth but continued to walk in my old ways?"

Please take this in the spirit it is intented; you say you "KNEW the truth" but I used to think that myself until someone enlightened me, then I realised I hadn't known the "truth" at all.

The truth involves knowing God's purpose for mankind & the earth & his Kingdom arrangement now established in heaven, if we know the truth we know for instance; "What God's name is" "What happens when we die" "How many go to heaven & why" and so on.

only those who KNOW THE TRUTH about these things come into the category you mention. All others are judged as ignorant of God's purpose & so do not fall into that category,I would guess you are one of these,unless you tell me otherwise.

Im happy to help you "know the truth" thats contained in God's word the bible.

all the best
Brenda