AboutElder Greg Madden Expertise As a born-again, Holy Ghost filled minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ I am avalible to answer questions conserning most all Biblical doctrines, the gifts and fruit of the Spirit, "Pentecostal/Apostolic" issues, and the history of the pentecostal movement.
For more info check out our web site at... http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1
Experience My wife Darla and I have been married for twenty five years. We both gave our hearts to the Lord a few months after we were married during a revival meeting. A few weeks later I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and I have not been the same since!
In those twenty five years we have only attended one church, Harvest Church (Pastor Jeff Burns). I have served there as an Elder for fourteen years. We minister in song with the choir and worship team. I am also the new members class coordinator, men's ministry director, and the Harvest Riders motorcycle ministry president.
In 1993 the Lord called me to "...preach the Gospel where ever I open the door..." Darla and I have had the privilege of ministering God's Word to churches in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. In those meetings we have seen the Lord save, heal, deliver, and fill people will His Spirit.
Organizations I am ordained through Harvest Church, and with the World Harvest Ministerial Fellowship. I also am a licensed minister with the State of Oklahoma, and I am currantly enrolled with the Ames Bible College.
Organizations I am ordained through Harvest Church, and with the World Harvest Ministerial Fellowship. I also am a licensed minister with the State of Oklahoma, and I am currantly enrolled with the Ames Bible College.
Question im scared that i have or will lose my salvation. also will God forgive me for not going to church every single sunday
Answer Carly,
I hope you don't mind but you questions was placed in the "Question Pool" (an option for volunteers to use) and I thought I could help. Here are some things to consider...
You cannot "loose" your salvation, but you can forfeit it. Yes there is a vast difference. To "loose" ones salvation is likened to "loosing your keys" or if you will "miss-placing" something. You don't say "Now where did I lay my salvation at. I know it's got to be here somewhere." This is just silly.
You see, as a "recovering Calvinist" I have heard the doctrine of unconditional eternal security preached so strong that I literally have heard preacher say that those who have been saved, even if they are in the very act of adultery, if the Lord should return at that very moment, that they would be raptured into heaven. This is simply un-Biblical!
On the other hand, the Bible does teach us that every Christian will be persevered unto the end and be saved because of the power of Gods grace pledged for their support. The Bible teaches us that any saved person who has sinned (backslidden), but has a desire to repent, may do so and be restored to God's favor and fellowship. However, since man continues to have free choice, it is possible because of temptations and the weakness of human flesh for him to fall into the practice of sin and to make shipwreck of his faith and be lost once again.
Scripture References: I Timothy 1:18,19; John 15:1-7; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 3:14; 2 Peter 2:20,21
The Bible clearly states that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) and that the just shall live by faith (Hebrews 10:38; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Habakkuk 2:4). As the believer's salvation is received, not by an act of righteousness but by an act of faith, so the believer's salvation is maintained, not by acts of righteousness but by a life of faith.
His spiritual growth varies in excellence and degree according to the yieldedness and attention he affords to the Spirit who is at work within him. Yet all the while as the perfecting processes go on, he is credited with the perfection through the imputed righteousness of Christ by faith. Through the process of "becoming conformed" he is secure; his salvation is sure. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
God does not let anyone go easily. (See Romans 10:21 where Paul was speaking of Israel, but the principle applies.) But a believer can be lost if he disregards the continuing checks of the Holy Spirit and reaches the point where he rejects Jesus as his Savior.
It is possible to believe for a while and in time of temptation to fall away (Luke 8:13). It is possible for the weak brother to perish for whom Christ died (1 Corinthians 8:11). It is possible for a name to be written in the Book of Life and then removed from the Book (Revelation 22:19).
You may be asking "Then at what point does a true Christian then forfeit their salvation?" A Christian forfeits their salvation through the same means they receive their salvation. The Biblical means of salvation is "by grace through faith" (Rom. 10:9,10; Eph. 2:8,9). It is received by believing faith, therefore it is forfeited by unbelief.
However, it is not always possible to determine whether a person has already turned his back on Jesus as his Savior. Therefore it is well to leave judgment of these matters in the hands of the omniscient God. Of this we can be certain, however; if God does not give up in His efforts to bring the prodigal back, neither should the church of Jesus Christ. Too often people write off an individual when God has not written him off at all.
Carly, please let me know if this helps or if you have any further questions.
