Churches Of Christ/Hell

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Expert: - 10/2/2011


Question
Thanks for your time,  my question is can a christian go to hell? Can one loose their salvation?

Answer
Hi Josh,

Church of Christ teaching is that yes, a Christian can lose their salvation. This is based on Paul's urging to not give up, not to be deceived, and the Hebrew writer's description of people leaving the faith.

The Church of Christ response to "nothing can separate you from the love of God," is to observe that nothing outside of you. You however, can decide to abandon God whenever you'd like.

For the most part, I agree with this view, largely because I don't agree with general Calvinist theology about the state of man and salvation. I also see "salvation" a bit differently than many folks. I don't see it as a legal exchange, but a relationship restoration. Salvation, is living with God because you have his character. Being separated from God results when we decide to live for ourselves rather than in the image in which we were created.

You always have the option of putting yourself first.

Does that help?

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Hoyt Roberson

Expertise

I can answer just about any doctrinal, relational, or Scriptural question from a "traditional" church of Christ perspective, and from perspectives of somewhat more progressive congregations. If you want an answer from a particular perspective, let me know that up front, and I'll respond in that vein. If you want to peg me on the liberal-conservative spectrum, I would suggest a bit left of center. Depending on the question though, I might be far left, or perhaps rather toward the right.

Experience

I am currently a shepherd of a congregation (which means, for those of you who aren't Church of Christ folk, I'm one of a handful of people responsible for the spiritual direction and maturity of the congregation, and who hire and fire the ministers). I have served in many capacities including adult class teacher (also current), deacon, administrator, and lay leader at two military bases. I am a life-long member of churches of Christ, mostly mainline congregations, but am quite familiar with more conservative and more liberal congregations and views as well. I read and subscribe to various books and periodicals for churches of Christ, and have discussed a variety of topics with representatives of our various groups both in person, and via mail.

Organizations
Christian Association for Psychological Studies, American Association of Christian Counselors, and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Publications
www.robersonblog.blogspot.com

Education/Credentials
I hold a Masters of Ministry degree from Pepperdine University, as well as a Masters of Counseling degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix.

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