For those that teach there is no such thing as carnal Christians, I have a question.
If a person professes salvation and lives it for say twenty years, including being delivered from alcoholism, then has a relapse that lasts for say 6 months, then recovers, would you say that person was never really saved to begin with?
It is not about what any man says or believes. It is what God says. 1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not (practice) commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot (practice) sin, because he is born of God.
Hopefully a spiritual person came and restored this one who had gone astray; Galatians 6:1. Here we have the word "trespass" (NASB) which is a "side slip" and does not denote a "practice" of sin. I believe his "coming back" shows he was a saved person.
I'm not one to go around and delineate another as lost and practicing sin as is a frequent and unfortunate attitude within the church. Spare me with the "Well, I believe the Bible" or "It doesn't matter what you believe, it's what the Bible says!" I believe the Bible, thank you very much, and this is my Biblical take.
Amy, I made no judgment at all on it. I think you are assuming they are saved. I am assuming nothing one way or the other. Our salvation is contingent on today, not tomorrow or yesterday as tomorrow is not ours and yesterday is past and does not prove what is for today. I am simply believing what the Lord says in His word. 1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not (practice) commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot (practice) sin, because he is born of God.
Correct me if I am wrong, but would the person who was not even saved ever want to come back to God, as being dead int heir sin natures, would just keep on keeping on, and never even desire to get to God?
IF the person was saved by the Grace of God, NO matter what he or she may do will make them lose Christ, as God was the One saving them to start, and He will continue to make sure they are kept saved and secured in Christ, due to the Cross!
In the OP... Person professed AND lived as a Christian should extended period of time...
Evidence of being fruitful/saved person...
Stumbled and fell back to sinning again in drinking...
Did his sin "undue" the power of God to keep him?
Should he just go on a drinking bidge, as he was lost again?
How do ANY of us know are really saved, IF we allow others to be the "fruit inpector" instead of the Lord?
Do you fail to seee that God still aloows even His children "free will" to sin against His will, its does cause chaistisment from the Father now!
Salvation cannot be un-done, but also true is; 1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not (practice) commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot (practice) sin, because he is born of God.
Also, the idea of "practicing sin" is a conclusive statement based upon exegesis that some hold to. Please elaborate how you've exegetically come to this conclusion with the text itself.