Security Of The Believer

What is your favorite verse proving that once a person is saved they cannot lose their salvation? Alternatively, is their a verse that sometimes gives you problems in this area? (My logic class is debating this topic in chapel today and tomorrow. Thought you might like to have some input.)

Here We Go Again...

Well, I have spent quite a bit of time studying the Calvinism-Arminianism debate and would like to report back to you.

The more I study Calvinism the more unbiblical it becomes to me. Calvinism and Scripture do not "line up." Calvinism is one man's (okay, two men...Augustine & Calvin) distorted view and misapplication of Scripture. However, don't think that I believe the Arminianists are 100% correct either. There are some problems they have concerning being biblical. So, here's my thoughts on the "TULIP."

Total Depravity - It's half-right according to the Bible.
Unconditional Election - Totally wrong according to the Bible.
Limited Atonement - Totally wrong according to the Bible.
Irresistable Grace - Totally wrong according to the Bible.
Perseverance Of The Saints - It's half-right according to the Bible.

Now, I know some of you will not understand exactly where I stand (especially when I say it's half-right). But, just so, I believe it is important for you to know that I cannot condone the Calvinistic view of salvation especially when it contradicts Scripture. Having said that, I do not condone the Arminian view of salvation because it also does not answer questions or it contradicts Scripture as well. So, why follow two men...who are after all men? Let's go by what the Bible says and not what some man has taught as systematic theology.

The Great Baptism Debate

Well, I received an email the other day informing me of a debate over whether or not baptism is necessary for salvation. While I'm sure you know where I stand on that issue (it's not necessary!), there was something funny I found in the email:

"The Bible teaches that a person must be baptized (immersed in water as a believer) to be saved, that is, to become a Christian."

The funny part to me is that in the parenthesis. If someone is immersed in water "as a believer" then wouldn't they already be saved? Remember, the Philippian jailer asked Paul what he must do to be saved. Paul answered by saying, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." Therefore, if one is a "true" believer, then the parenthetical phrase above has destroyed the Church of Christ debater. And well it should! To teach that baptism is necessary for salvation IS heresy. To add anything to the Gospel of Jesus Christ takes away from His wondrous work.

You CANNOT work for your salvation, speak your way into salvation (tongues included!), get wet enough for salvation (baptism is obedience not salvation), nor join enough churches to "get saved."

[Surely between this and the King James only debate, I'll have somebody mad at me!]