[Quester]

Then why are we given the parable of the prodigal son?

Just as surely as the prodigal son put distance between himself and his father, ... he also come back to full fellowship with his father.

Also, note that he was a son during the whole of the parable, ... when he was initially with his father, ... when he was away squandering his inheritance, ... and when he returned to his father.

He didn't think that his father would still see him as a son (for he thought that his sonship was based on his works), but his father never regarded him as anybody other than his son.

His older brother also thought that his wickedness should disqualify him from sonship, but he was wrong too.

Why would I receive such a message if I was in no danger of losing my inheritance?

You may have been in danger of losing your physical life (which would have separated you from your from the company of your wife).

In any case, when we are the Lord's children, He continuously works in our lives to motivate us to more Godly living.

[al_c]

I understand that he came back. But what if he had not? He made the choice to take his inheritance and leave. Of course his father wouldn't disown him and would still consider him his son. But he did give his son the choice to leave ... even risking the fact that he may never return. Yes, we are God's children and always will be, but we are free to leave Him and choose the wrong path.

[OLD REGGIE]

1 Corinthians 3:
[14] If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.
[15] If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
[16] Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?

Yes, you were still saved. Once saved you cannot lose salvation.

Due to the various misunderstandings of OSAS I will say you were protected by ISAS. If Saved Always Saved!