The word “remain” here means that a man have started true faith and continuing or persevering as Pastor Jeff explains. And the one who who have started the faith yet did not persevere is like the branch that is thrown into the fire or hell.

It is clear that both have genuine faith, both have believed, because they were attached to the true vine, the Lord Jesus Christ, otherwise if those who did not remain have no true faith at the start then they would have not been attached to the Truth, Jesus Christ, at the first place. But by the temptations of this world, the worries of life, its riches and pleasures there are people who have fallen away or have not matured (Luke 8:13-14), they did not remain. The Bible would not have used the term fallen away if at start they are not in a good position with God.

God bless you Pastor Jeff.
God bless you Barbara for seeking the Truth.

1. About divorce and remarriage – I believe the Bible teaches marriage is a lifetime commitment between one man and one woman. The only grounds given in the Bible for divorce are adultery and desertion. Paul spoke of desertion in 1Corinthians 7. If we combine his teaching with that of Jesus it seems that adultery will be involved in desertion. As to whether they can remarry, I believe if the divorce is justified then remarriage is also. As to those who have divorced and remarried apart from Biblical grounds, I believe they may find forgiveness in the grace of God through Jesus Christ. I further realize that some things done in life cannot be undone. That is true in this area. In these cases one must trust in the grace of God. A person must repent of their sin, acknowledging what they have done is wrong and accept the forgiveness of God.

2. As to once saved always saved – this is a term that has been developed in the 19th and 20th centuries. I think it a dangerous term to use. I believe that salvation is fully in Christ by faith. I further believe that the faith that saves is a persevering faith. If it does not continue it will not save. God knows His sheep. He calls them His chosen or elect. Those He knows as finally persevering in faith will be surely saved. He also knows those who only have a temporary faith (Like 8:13), and they will not in the end be saved (Col. 1:23). Salvation is not from a mere moment of faith but by a life changing faith that begins in a moment of time but continues throughout the lifetime. So, I do not accept the terms eternal security, or once saved always saved as describing my view of salvation. I believe in the security of the believer, and that believer being defined as one who continues to believe.

I hope this helps. I will be glad to discuss this with you.

Pastor Jeff Lankford

Apostle Philip Torboe
Grace Church of God
P O Box 1183
Port Vila
Republic of Vanuatu
Email: pielti@hotmail.comn
Mobile Phone: 00-678-5603110

Sam Pitrone

There are so many ways, many preachers side-step the real truth of God’s Word that I have decided to ask the questions instead of just assuming what I heard was the actual belief of the preacher. Still yet, asking questions will not automatically guarantee that I will get an Honest answer, but I will take that risk.

From my study of comparing many churches and their pastors to God’s word – I have found some major inconsistencies that are abominations or borders it.

May I ask you? What do you see from God’s Word as God’s position about:

Divorce and remarriage with first husband/wife still living, yet still claiming to be Christians in full holy fellowship with God? It’s evident that most churches and pastors have not the least problem with it.

Once in Grace – Always in Grace, that is, if once truly saved and sanctified by God-
it is impossible to publicly forsake God, die in your sins even if you commit suicide, then suffer eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire?

Did Jesus FORGIVE ALL people – of ALL ages – of ALL their sins – for ALL time (past present future) at the moment he died on the cross – or – must every person Repent and Forsake their sins with Godly sorrow before they are forgiven of those sins?

Please respond

David

I just left a abbreviated message on your answering machine and I wanted to follow up with an e-mail/comment. My name is Jason Sykes and my family and I are on full time deputation going to Venezuela, South America. Our website is http://www.truthtoall.com. We would love the opportunity to share our burden for the people of Venezuela with you and your congregation. I can be reached at 615-528-1274 as well. God bless!

Jason Sykes