Billy Graham Answers One of the Most Debated Points in Christian Theology
JESSILYN JUSTICE CHARISMA NEWS
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Once saved, always saved? It's the question that haunts Christian circles as believers discuss just how holy Jesus Christ is compared to us dirty sinners.
Some argue that a quick one-time prayer will guarantee you admission into heaven, fire insurance, if you will. Others maintain you must live a life of perfect piety that proves your relationship with Him.
One reader asked Billy Graham: "If we repent of our sins (like the Bible says we're supposed to do), does this mean that if we ever commit another sin, we'll lose our salvation? I worry about this."
The wise evangelist responded:
One of the devil's oldest tricks is to make us believe that God will turn against us and take away our salvation if we ever commit another sin. But it simply isn't true!The reason is because when He died on the cross, Jesus Christ became the final and complete sacrifice for all our sins—without exception. Remember: Jesus Christ was without sin, because He was God in human flesh—and God cannot sin. But on the cross, all our sins were transferred to Him, and He took upon Himself all our guilt and all our condemnation. He didn't die for some of our sins—He died for them all! The Bible says, "In him we have redemption through his blood and the forgiveness of sins" (Eph. 1:7a).Don't trust yourself or your own goodness for your salvation—for you and I can never be good enough. Instead, trust Christ and what He has already done for you. By His death and resurrection, He purchased your salvation—and now He offers it to you as a free gift. By a simple prayer of faith, ask Christ to come into your life and save you—and He will.Then ask God to help you follow Christ every day—not out of fear, but out of joy and thankfulness. In addition, ask Him to help you trust His promise to save you and take you to heaven when you die. God's promise is for you: "And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life" (1 John 5:11-12a).
Do you agree?
Jessilyn Justice is the director of online news for Charisma. Born and raised in a pastor's family in Alabama, she attended Lee University and the Washington Journalism Center. She's passionate about sharing God's goodness through storytelling. Tell her what you think of this story on Twitter @jessilynjustice.
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