There are those that struggle with their faith for a season for various reasons. When they return they may be experience some doubt, sometimes contributed to unwittingly by brothers and sisters.
“Oh, I walked away for awhile and my Pastor said those who waked away weren’t truly saved”.
While there are cases where somebody has a conversion experience ,burns brightly for a time and then walks away and never returns, there are many that have struggled for a time but always return. Take comfort in the knowledge that our walk isn’t perfect. While we are trapped in the flesh we can never be(perfect). If our general direction is moving ahead, no matter how slowly, be assured that you are saved..
What I am trying to get to is what Theologians call “progressive sanctification” .
Gal 5:19-23
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. NIV
We commit fewer and fewer of the sins listed above (Gal 5: 19-21) and display more of the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5: 22-23) as we progress through our sanctification walk.
I like to think that many of those who worry about their salvation, are, by that very concern, showing that they are saved. Again, don’t look for perfection, look for direction.
Next week I hope to wrap this up by studying what the bible says in regard to eternal assurance.
Until then, may the LORD bless us and keep us, in Jesus name I pray.
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