August 2017

Welcome! It’s always a privilege to be able to speak into the lives of those who visit the website, especially after being delivered from such a horrific past. I thank God, whose Word I now base my life for the future.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 1

A Question About Salvation…

The question is from John, who is a 39-year-old from Indiana. He writes,

“I came across your Abounding Love Ministries, and I just had to write you after reading through it. Right off the bat let me tell you I’ve served time myself. A while back I got into a fight with the mailman when he maced my dog, and I punched him several times. Since he was a federal worker, it was considered assault on a federal employee, so I was given 18 months. I served 12 months in Lexington FMC and 4 months at a halfway house before being released.

“Now, I was raised a “Christian” and went to a southern Baptist church all my life until I was 18. At that point, I quit attending and started doing my own thing. While in prison, I kind of got back into church, but that only lasted until I got released. But lately, I’ve had a bunch of questions concerning my faith, and I’ve tried talking to a preacher. I don’t know what it is but I don’t feel like he can connect with me like someone who had been in prison themselves. So, I was hoping that you might have a few minutes and if possible give me some advice.

“Basically, my main question is can someone lose their salvation? I will start with that question and keep it short since I know you must be busy. The website looks amazing, and I am so thankful you have reached out to help people in need like this. Take care and God bless you. John, Indiana.”

An Age-Old Question…

I know of no other question in the body of Christ that has caused so much strife, which is solely because of a lack of knowledge  concerning the separation of spirit, soul an body in the makeup of humans.

For instance, once born again, our spirit becomes one with the Spirit of God, “…the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.” 2 At that moment, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit, and once sealed, nothing can break that seal.

“…after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” 3

Listen, our spirit becomes perfect at salvation, “For by one offering, He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.” 4 As new creations, we are not only justified by faith in Christ, but “sanctified” in the spirit, which means to be made holy, separated from sin unto God as His sanctuary – saints, who the apostle Paul addresses at the beginning of his letters, i.e. “To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus.” 5

Questioning Our Salvation…

I never question my salvation as a saint, who is faithful in Christ Jesus. He would have to fall out of heaven for me to lose my salvation. Listen to the apostle Paul’s acknowledgement and make it yours.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” 6

Over the years, I have kept myself built up in the most holy faith, 7 especially from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and to the Romans. As I meditate Romans chapter 8, there is no condemnation when we mind the things of the Spirit. Our spirit is life because of righteousness. The Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. 8

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 9

Avoid Foolish Questions…

I never argue with a person who believes they can lose their salvation, since I’ve been called to convince people of God’s love and grace. I am a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. My sole purpose is to pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart, according to the apostle Paul. He says, “…foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing they do gender strifes.” 10

Foolish and unlearned questions derive from the soul [mind will and emotions] and even the body, questioning your faith, but never from your spirit where the Spirit of faith dwells. Paul says,

“But you have not so learned Christ… be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” 11

As you renew your mind to who you are in the finished works of Jesus Christ through His death, burial and resurrection, you’ll “…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” 12

A Prayer for You…

Lord Jesus, I don’t want to live this way anymore. Today, I release all my doubts, failings, sins and mistakes into Your loving hands. And I receive forgiveness right now into my heart. Thank You for Your precious blood that washes me whiter than snow. Right now, I stand in Your righteousness, favor, joy and peace; assured of my salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Scripture References (NKJV):