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Paul's point is not "once saved, always saved." (although this is true). His point is the fact that when one is saved BY GOD, God does not change His mind. The rescue is simply a product of His own power and promise. It is no longer in the hands of the man/woman. They could not get themselves into salvation; they cannot get themselves out. To those on the outside of this understanding, this may seem like a "free ticket" to sin. But, they do not realize they are holding a much more dangerous view..."at least I do not sin like those people". Oh, yes, you do...all the time. Now what?

Very well said! Anyone who reads and meditates on God's word - aided by the illumination of the Holy Spirit - recognizes that NOTHING they bring before the Mercy Seat can make propitiation for their sins (and you are correct that sinning is as much internal as it is external). That's the WHOLE point of the law - as a schoolmaster to bring us to the grace of God in Christ Jesus. How foolish people can be when they imagine God is pleased by their efforts, works, deeds and attitudes when brought before Him to recompense for all our sins rather than the filthy rags that they really are!

Had any person been capable of saving himself by himself, there would have been NO need for Christ to have suffered and died. In light of that, how equally foolish to think our efforts, that could do nothing to win our salvation at the start, will benefit the keeping of that gracious gift to the end. It's either grace all the way, or works all the way - not both!

AMEN! How much plainer can it get? Dutchboy, your post was excellent!! If, after reading these two posts, anyone can walk away thinking they can lose their salvation, then they probably can. Not because God chooses to loose them from the Body, but because they were never part of the body to begin with. How can a Body be severed and still live? It cannot. And the Body of Christ is a living organism. It can no more lose a finger or a leg and remain intact than we can lose a leg and be able to tap dance.

>> It's either grace all the way, or works all the way - not both!<<

Amen and Amen!!

Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

"Had any person been capable of saving himself by himself, there would have been NO need for Christ to have suffered and died. In light of that, how equally foolish to think our efforts, that could do nothing to win our salvation at the start, will benefit the keeping of that gracious gift to the end. It's either grace all the way, or works all the way - not both!"

I have been out, so forgive me for not noting this sooner. Very good points. It is either grace, or a wage due us for something we did. Absolutely.