Once a Christian always a Christian!

The Assurance of Eternal Salvation!

In the journey of faith, few questions carry more weight than the security of our salvation. The phrase "Once a Christian always a Christian" speaks to a profound theological truth that offers both comfort and challenge to believers. This principle affirms that genuine salvation cannot be lost, yet it also invites us to examine what true faith entails.

When someone genuinely receives Christ as Saviour, a miraculous transformation occurs. The Holy Spirit takes up residence within them, sealing them as God's own possession. This isn't a temporary arrangement, but an eternal covenant marked by divine faithfulness.

The Divine Seal of the Holy Spirit

Scripture speaks clearly about the permanence of God's work in the believer. When we come to faith in Christ, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit—a divine mark of ownership that cannot be erased or returned.

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV)

This seal isn't a mere symbol but God's guarantee of our inheritance. The Holy Spirit is described as the "earnest" or down payment that assures our complete redemption. Once received, this gift cannot be returned or rescinded.

God's Unbreakable Promise

The security of our salvation rests not on our own faithfulness but on God's unwavering commitment to His promises. Jesus Himself assured believers:

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:28-29 KJV)

This powerful promise affirms that believers are held securely in both the son's and the father's hands. No force—internal or external—can separate a genuine believer from this divine grip.

The Apostle Paul reinforces this truth when he writes:

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

Belief vs. Belonging: An Important Distinction

While true Christians cannot lose their salvation, there is an important distinction between being a believer and being a committed follower. Our selection points to this reality: "Once a Christian always a Christian! But once a believer, not always a believer?"

This paradox acknowledges that while salvation itself cannot be lost, our active belief and obedience can waver.

Scripture recognizes this possibility:

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." (1 Timothy 4:1 KJV)

This departure doesn't necessarily indicate a loss of salvation but rather a temporary wandering from active faith. Even when believers stray, God remains faithful to His covenant:

"If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." (2 Timothy 2:13 KJV)

Responding to God's Permanent Gift

The permanence of salvation isn't an excuse for complacency but a motivation for faithful living. As our selection reminds us: "Then do something with it. Jesus Christ died for you to receive it!"

The Apostle Peter exhorts believers to actively cultivate their faith:

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:5-8 KJV)

Similarly, Paul encourages believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12 KJV), not to earn or maintain salvation but to live out its implications in daily life.

The Evidence of True Salvation

While genuine salvation cannot be lost, Scripture also teaches that true faith produces lasting fruit. Jesus warned about those who claim faith without genuine transformation:

"Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21 KJV)

The book of James further emphasizes that authentic faith is demonstrated through works:

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:17 KJV)

This doesn't contradict salvation by grace through faith but affirms that genuine faith inevitably produces evidence in the believer's life.

The Comfort of Eternal Security

Understanding the permanent nature of salvation provides tremendous comfort to believers. We don't need to live in constant fear of losing our relationship with God. Instead, we can rest in His faithfulness:

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6 KJV)

This assurance doesn't promote carelessness but rather gratitude and devotion. When we grasp the magnitude of God's commitment to us, our natural response is deeper commitment to Him.

Sealed for Eternity

The truth that we are "sealed for life" with the Holy Spirit stands as one of Christianity's most precious promises. Once genuinely saved, a believer remains eternally secure in Christ. This doesn't mean our faith journey will be without struggles or temporary wanderings, but it does mean God's grip on us never loosens.

As we reflect on this profound truth, let it inspire both confidence and commitment. We are eternally secure not so we can live however we please, but so we can serve God without fear, knowing our relationship with Him is founded on His unchanging character rather than our fluctuating performance.

Indeed, "Jesus Christ died for you to receive it!" Let us therefore live as those who understand the value of this priceless gift, sealed by the Spirit and secure in the Father's hand for all eternity. Amen!

Key Takeaways:

• Genuine salvation is eternally secure - once truly saved, a believer cannot lose their salvation.
• Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit as God's guarantee of their redemption.
• The security of salvation rests on God's faithfulness, not our performance.
• While salvation cannot be lost, our active faith and obedience may waver temporarily.
• True salvation produces genuine transformation and spiritual fruit in a believer's life.
• Understanding eternal security should lead to gratitude and committed Christian living, not complacency.