We all go through our prodigal periods. If we don't, then we are perfect and don't need Christ. :-)
If we have been numbered among Christ's sheep, then I don't see how we leave this earth under condemnation.
A sheep will always hear his master's voice. He may not always listen, but he will always hear. Sometimes the Shepherd has to go into the field and drag the sheep back to the fold. Sometimes they just get thirsty and know where to go to get living water.
Agreed. I've been through mine.
I think we can agree that the father in the parable was saying that the son was spiritually dead. What if he had died while in that state? Some accident happened to him? He was murdered for the last crumb he managed to get from the pigs?
The argument could be made, I suppose, that if you are truly one of His sheep and cannot be lost, then you are essentially invincible while in the prodigal state so that you may come back home where you belong. I'm not saying you should try it, or put it to the test. I don't think I even believe it. But the possibility may be there.
How does one account for that period if you die? How does one know that is is merely a Prodigal period and not a permanent falling away? Does it matter?