Over the years, I've observed this topic, by various books, tapes, radio & tv programs, internet sites, podcasts, and even here at FiveDoves.

What I think that I have noticed, is that although the first thing held out there, is whether one can lose salvation,

the discussion that follows, seems to be more concerned about what we do or don't do, as Christians.

The main thing doesn't seem to be the ability to lose, or not lose, our salvation - that's a great starter point, but perhaps not the heart of the issue.

On both sides of the discussion, the ones discussing, seem to be very interested in the works that we do.

No doubt, there are some people out there, like Kat pointed out, that seem bent on lawlessness and debauchery, because they claim a ticket to heaven.

However, people like that, generally, are not spending their time studying the scriptures, and discussing doctrine with other Christians.

Christians who love the scriptures, and are honest with one another, can still see some doctrines differently than other Christians.

Take for instance the doctrine involving speaking in tongues.

Some Christians believe this is still what the Spirit desires for the church.

While other Christians believe that the sign gifts were necessary for the church until the full canon of scripture was completed.

This is not as simple as dismissing one side or the other as foolish heretics.

Both sides have diligently studied this out in the scriptures, and are are fully persuaded that scriptures teach what they believe.

However, debate can be a trap, if those involved are more interested in proving their point, than for all involved coming to the full stature of Christ.

It's not like, the one who loses the debate goes straight to hell, or was never saved to begin with.

It's also not like, "Take two scriptures and call me in the morning".

So, this discussion is similar, where there can be Christians on both sides of this.

The goal does not appear to be proving, or disproving, the initial point of losing one's salvation.

Everyone would agree, that anyone, in the time of the antichrist, who takes the mark of the beast, goes to the lake of fire.

There have been hypotheticals, like whether the person was a believer or not.

However, the angel warning about it, doesn't make that distinction, the warning is to anyone taking the mark.

Also, Jesus warned:

Mark 3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

  29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

  30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

Blaspheme the Holy Ghost, or take the mark of the beast, and that's it, damnation.

These are terrible things, but this is not really the discussion.

If I believe in eternal security, and my brother does not, how will he approach me, when he knows that I have sinned?

I really don't think it will be, "You blew it! You're damned dude!"

But rather he will be as concerned for my soul, as he would be for the soul of someone who had not yet believed on Jesus.

If he believes that I lost it, then hopefully he doesn't also believe that it is now impossible for me to get it back.

That would be extreme fatalism, however, there be others who actually believe that.

If they do, then they should be as active in warning Christians about losing it, as they are about giving the gospel to the unsaved.

No, on both sides of this discussion, is concern for how a Christian lives, their works.

We realize that the unsaved will be judged according to their works:

Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

  13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

But the deciding factor about the lake of fire, is actually the book of life:

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Now, also, Christians will be judged according to their works:

II Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

I Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

  12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

  13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

  14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

  15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

But that does not appear to decide whether they go to heaven or not.

That is discussed elsewhere in the new testament.

Neither side of the discussion considers that a person can go to heaven by being good, no, both sides believe the gospel of salvation.

So, the discussion is rather focused on the works of a Christian, or the lack thereof.

Both sides want to so live that they please Jesus, and both sides want to hear, Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

So, what, truly, is the goal, for either side of the discussion?

What do we want to come of it?

Do we only want those on the other side to be able to please Jesus more?

If that is so, then that is noble.

How do we accomplish helping our brethren on the other side of this discussion?

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