There is a debate that has gone on in christianity for centuries, and the reason for the debate is that neither side actually knows what it is they are debating. The argument is about whether one’s salvation can be lost once one is saved, or if it is eternal. But, salvation itself is not properly understood by either side.
Here is the heart of the issue that makes that debate among christians moot: both sides believe, to one extent or another, that salvation is a choice that man makes. One side thinks that once the choice is made (and is sincere enough), then that decision seals the deal for all eternity. The other side sees verses that seem to suggest that such a salvation is temporary, because some scriptures seem to state that it can be lost.
But here’s the kicker: man’s belief is NOT salvation.
So, one side thinks they are saved by their decision (belief), but that, if they change their minds, or start living a bad lifestyle, they will lose that salvation (because of verses that refer to falling away after one has believed, which they falsely think means a person is saved), and the other side just rationalizes those verses away, since there are so many others that plainly teach the eternal nature of the bride’s salvation.
Both sides are wrong, because man’s belief is not salvation, but the first step on the path TO salvation.
Since the doctrines of salvation are so vital (eternal life vs. eternal torment), how could these two camps, which comprise most all of christianity, both be so wrong, not even knowing what salvation is, how it is obtained, and how one knows he has received it?
It’s because the Father’s traditions show in detail what the true path to salvation is, and when christianity was invented well after all the New Testament writers had died, those traditions were abolished (even outlawed), and false pagan ones took their place. Thus, the entire belief system taught by christianity is missing the true foundations, and is a cunning counterfeit of the faith.
The path to salvation is shown in the Passover—Y’isra-el’s journey out of Egypt after applying the blood of the Passover lamb to their doorposts, through the red sea, being led by the Holy Spirit through the wilderness (pillars of cloud and fire) being fed by Him (manna) along the way, arriving at the mountain, and THEN receiving the covenant.
That same path is mirrored in the way of the tabernacle—the priestly progression from the Outer Courtyard—identifying with the Passover sacrifice at the brazen altar, and inviting the cleansing of the Holy Spirit at the laver (most of christianity falsely teaches that water baptism is a public declaration of salvation—it is NOT). Because christianity rejects the Passover, it doesn’t understand that the path to salvation does not end in the Outer Courtyard.
The Holy Place (between the Outer Courtyard and the Holy of Holies) represents the Spirit’s leading through the wilderness, which is to endure in one’s belief in Messiah Yahoshua. To endure in belief is sharing in Messiah’s suffering, which was, primarily, being despised and rejected, mocked and ridiculed. The Holy Spirit will continue to lead and guide the one who endures in belief, and the bread of the presence in the Holy Place represents the sustenance the Spirit will provide while the one who has believed endures in his faith.
But, the covenant was not received until Y’isra-el arrived at the mountain and then the Father gave the physical covenant to them. This is a picture of Messiah’s bride (the true Y’isra-el, which is spiritual, not physical) receiving what the physical covenant foreshadowed (ten commandments), which is the spiritual covenant—the sealing of the Holy Spirit.
Man is not saved until he receives the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is not given to the bride (Y’isra-el) until she arrives at the mountain (the Holy of Holies). THIS is why scripture speaks of those who believe for awhile (Outer Courtyard, and even into the Holy Place), but eventually fall away. It’s because they do not endure in their belief.
In christianity, the falling away occurs by thinking that one is saved without actually receiving the covenant. Christians might even make it to the mountain, but then believe they have need for nothing else, because they cling to the false teachings of christianity, the counterfeit of the true faith.
We see the same thing with the first Passover. There were many who made it to the mountain, but then chose to enter into false worship, and took Yah’s name in vain (they attached Him to the golden calf). Those who did not repent of their false worship were put to death—a physical picture of spiritual death.
So, this “once-saved-always-saved” debate will likely continue among christians who think they are saved because of their human decision, and they won’t be prepared for the Bridegroom, because they don’t actually have the necessary oil in their lamps.
If you think that you are saved because you made a decision, “accepted Christ,” repented of sins, changed your lifestyle, go to “church,” or any of the many false beliefs about salvation, TODAY is the day to repent of those false beliefs, believe in Messiah Yahoshua, and confess Him before others.
Enduring in that belief is the only way one will ever receive the covenant, and when one receives the covenant, the Holy Spirit will testify to his spirit that he is a child of Yah. And, He testifies to the spirit of man in the same manner He always has (look to the prophets in the OT and what Peter said in Acts 2:17).
So many falsely think they are saved because they say they “believe,” but Satan and his demons believe as well. Are they saved? No, because belief is not salvation. Belief is the first step, but the adoption is not finalized and declared until the Father says it is.
That is why so many christians falsely think their English translation of the scriptures confirms their salvation—because they have never actually received the confirmation that Yah’s true children receive. And, that confirmation is NEVER given in writing—it is always a direct communication, and it is personal.
For more information: Between Belief and Salvation