Expert: Dr Tim Gladu - 10/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hey,
Lets say that I turned away from God and when I say turned away, I mean turned away. For as long as I can remember I was a Christian, I gave my life to Christ at a very young age (I loved him with all my heart and soul). It all started with porn, I guess you could say, and a year or so later I become this agnostic(maybe even a little atheist) with no reverence for God. I even got into some really dark music that insulted Christ(And I sung happily along with the lyrics). but somewhere along the way, I'm like, whoa I'm an idiot, man, look at the person I've become. So I turned back to God (if that's possible). And about 6 months(of living for him) later I open up my Bible to this passage in Hebrew 6, well needless to say, I think it's me. I fairly sure I must have fallen away. And if that doesn't convict me enough I found Hebrews 10:23 talking about 'willful' or deliberate sinning (again, that has to be me). and for about 3 months now I've been tossed back and forth by all these opinions and different interpretations, frankly I'm tired of it. I'd like to know where I'll go when I die. I'm still struggling with my porn addiction, I even made to a promise to God to never indulge in it again, it went great.... until about 2 weeks later.

To get one thing clear and out of the way, heaven or hell, I am still going to do what I believe Gods' will is (or was) for me. I will live for him in this life, no matter if I face eternal condemnation or eternal life after my death.

May God richly Bless whoever is reading this.
sorry for the rather grim question,
H


ANSWER: H,

The first thing you need to remember is that once saved always saved. The passage in Hebrews you are speaking of is to the Christian. I know that God wants us all to stay the course. He also understands when we fall away. The reason that I know that God understands is because Christ. God knew that we could not go through life and not sin. He also knew that the only way that sin would be beaten was with the final sacrifice for sin. The Jews had to sacrifice every year to clear the sin from the people. God made us able to know God and to be close to Him without having to have a priest or any man between us and Him. When we turn back to God even after a fall He is there to catch us. You are doing the right thing. God will help you through this time. Just keep up with what you are doing. Try to find a daily devotion that will keep you focused. This will help you each day keep close to your Bible reading and it will also give you the wisdom you need to get you back to the place God has for you. I almost forgot to answer your question. I believe you are going to heaven, God forgives and forgets. If we humble ourself and go to him and truly ask forgiveness He wipes the slate clean.

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

QUESTION: Everyone I've heard of says that once saved always saved a false doctrine. Now, I would like to believe in OSAS but, I am not entirely sure of it's biblical standing. Now in hebrews chapter 10 he talks of those who  deliberately sin (...if 'we' deliberately sin...)as trampling  the Son of God underfoot and that those who shrink back are destroyed. In hebrews 6:4 it is impossible for Christians (how could this particular verse not be talking about Christians??!!) who "fall away" to be brought back to repentance. This is the belief I know adhere to. I believe that Christian can fall away and that when they fall away, they cannot be forgiven. I believe that those who truly fall away are likely the ones who go and do not come back. And I believe that, like in the parable of the fig tree that bared no fruit for 3 years, God is patient with us but eventually our unrepentant hearts can cause us to be cut down and cast into the flame. For God will not hold blameless those who treat the Lords sacrifice unholy (Hebrews 10:29). I'm not quite sure what Hebrews 10:26 means, I'm wondering if it is possible for someone who has shrunk back to do the will of God but not received what was promised, because they had shrunken back. I'm sorry for the length of this follow-up question but, I've dwelt on it for some time. What are your thoughts on this? lol, I once thought I was called to be a pastor back when I was 10 years old, these kinds of questions have always been fun for me to think about.

God Bless,
--H

Answer
I do not know anyone who has not had the same question. I just have to believe that God has made a way. He has told us many a time that He will stay by us if we stay by Him. He does not say that if we fall away that He stops loving us. God tells us that He is always there and all we have to do is to confess and He forgives and forgets. I think you are worried that if we fall into sin and continue to do it then will God take away our salvation. I do not believe that we can lose our salvation. I do believe that there are people that say they have given their life to Christ just on the outside, but inside where it counts they are still no saved. only God knows who is saved and who is not. I just have to have the faith that I have given my life to Christ and have followed what He has told me to do and believe that I will go to Heaven. God will be the ultimate judge and I just rely on that fact. God created me and He can do with me what He wills. I do have the choice to be saved or not saved. God is the righteous judge and will have the final say. Stay faithful and follow Gods will for your life. If you do fall then just make sure that you have asked for forgiveness and have truly repented of your sin