From: ******, Mark CONT (NSSFNL R7) [mailto:******@nssfnl.navy.mil]
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 8:06 AM
To: ‘jack@gjcn.org’
Subject: Commentary Comment/Questionhi there my name is Mark
I do believe in eternal security. the question is based on something my wife believes . she believes that a person once saved can decide because we have free will that he does not believe anymore and therefore become unsaved. I do not think a person that is truly saved will do that but I would still like to hear your comment on that. I do have one question . the bible says that if we confess our sins he is faithful to forgive us and to cleanse us from that sin . if when we are saved he imputes his righteousness to us why do we need to confess sin. what happens if we would die with unconfessed sin . is confession used to take the feeling of guilt away. could you please send your comments to *****@snet.net thank you
Note: Full name and email removed until permission to release such info has been given.
Jack Heckathorne’s Reply….
From: “Jack Heckathorne” <jack@gjcn.org>
Subject: Commentary question
Hi Mark.
In John 6:37 Jesus said “All that the Father gives me (believers) shall come to me; and him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out. The Greek word translated “no wise” could better be translated “under no circumstances”. The Bible give us the example of being born into Gods family. Once you are born into a family you are always a son and can never get out no matter how bad you are or what you say. We don’t (can not) save ourselves and we don’t (can not) unsave ourselves. We are bought with a price and become Gods property.
When we believe in Christ our sins are forgiven as far as entering Heaven is concerned because no sin is allowed into heaven. However, while we are here on earth we will still sin because we have the sin nature which was passed down from Adam. So, since we still sin there is a need to confess our sins so that we can be filled with the Holy Spirit and be controlled by him. This allows us to be an effective witness for Christ. When we sin we quench (or put a halt to) the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Confession does away with our sins and allows the Holy Spirit to use us for Christ.
Confession may make you feel less guilty but that is not the purpose of it. Since our sins are forgiven for eternity at the moment we believe in Christ if we should die with unconfessed sin we would still be saved. However, we should confess our sins on a regular basis because God will discipline us if we don’t and we as Christians need the controlling ministry of the Holy Spirit in order to serve Christ.
Thanks for your question
Jack Heckathorne
GJCN