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jmcrae
Guest
That’s a very insightful observation.
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PRmerger
Guest
Correct me if I’m wrong, OSASers, but I think they would respond that Judas was not ever really saved to begin with.
Which brings to mind an amusing exchange I read between apologist John Martignoni and a non-Catholic Christian:
*Every believer in once saved always saved that I have ever met, also believes that there are those out there who think they are saved, but really are not – the faux believers, as I call them. So, ask anyone who believes in OSAS these questions (this is from an actual conversation):
Question: Are ther e people who think they’re saved, but they really aren’t?
Answer: Yes, there are.
Question: Are you saved?
Answer: Yes, I am.
Question: How do you know you’re not one of those people who think they’re saved, but they really aren’t?
Answer: I know in my heart that I am saved.
Question: Wouldn’t someone who thinks they’re saved, but really aren’t saved, say the same thing?
Answer: I suppose so.
Question: Then how do you know you’re really saved?
Answer: I just know.
Question: How do you know?
Answer: I just do.
The whole point of this line of questioning is that, if it is possible to think you’re saved, but not really be saved, **then no one can have eternal security **– no one can know for sure that they are saved – because anyone who thinks they’re saved could actually be one of those who think they are but really aren’t. (bold mine) *
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tqualey
Guest
Hi, Mdifrancesco,
Welcome to CAF … I think you will find this is a really great place to find out the Love and Power of God. Some of your readers are old men… like myself…
There really is no ‘extra charge’ for using a larger size letter … and even using some extra spacing between your paragraphs…! It was difficult reading your post because it was all crammed together. Thanks.
Oh, I gather from the quotes you provided, that one can lose their salvation.
God bless
Welcome to CAF … I think you will find this is a really great place to find out the Love and Power of God. Some of your readers are old men… like myself…
There really is no ‘extra charge’ for using a larger size letter … and even using some extra spacing between your paragraphs…! It was difficult reading your post because it was all crammed together. Thanks.Oh, I gather from the quotes you provided, that one can lose their salvation.
God bless
T
tqualey
Guest
Shame on you, PRmerger!
You went and popped their bubble!
God bless
You went and popped their bubble!
Seriously, this is an excellent post and one deserving of real thought and prayer by all - but, especially those who have been caught up in the OSAS heresy.
God bless
P
PRmerger
Guest
That, I did. That I did.Shame on you, PRmerger!
You went and popped their bubble!
Tom, come visit my Profile Page. I have a private photo album that I’ve set up–I think it makes it more fun to chat with friends if we can actually see whom it is we’re conversing with!
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mdifrancesco
Guest
hERE IS MY TAKE ON THAT PARABLE (IT WILL COME IN TWO PARTS DUE TO THE LENGTH):That’s a very insightful observation.
There are very important principles stressed in this parable which justify the closest attention and study. Firstly, there is the number of virgins: ten. That is the number of completeness, and is frequently used in Scripture symbolically for a large, unspecified number (e.g., 1 Sam. 1:8). Then there is the character of those referred to: they are “virgins.” This teaches that they are those who have separated themselves from the world to serve Christ: The parable shows that some of the virgins did not qualify for the marriage feast, implying that to merely separate from the world is to observe only the negative aspect of God’s requirements, and is not sufficient; there remains the need to apply the affirmative principles also, and manifest the divine qualities in action. The virgins are represented as bearing lamps fed by oil: symbolizing the Truth shining in darkness (Ps. 119:105; Matt. 5:16). It was the responsibility of Israelites to beat out olives in order to make pure oil for the lamps in the Tabernacle and Temple (Lev. 24:2). Similarly, it is the obligation of Christ’s followers to carefully study the Word of God, that they might radiate its light in doctrine and action. The 10 virgins were divided into two lots of five; another significant number. For five, is always associated with grace. In the case of the parable, five had grace extended to them; and five had it denied them; though, originally, both fives had been drawn by the invitation of Yahweh’s grace or favor. Five were wise. The word, in the original, is phronimos, and signifies that they were prudent, sensible, or wise in a practical way. They were not merely virgins of understanding, but virgins who applied the wisdom they possessed. There is a gulf of difference between mere understanding of knowledge and the practical application of it. The other five are described as “foolish.” This is translated from the Greek word moros which signifies “dull, sluggish,” and hence “stupid.” The Gospel Treasury defines the meaning of the word as, “he who sees not what is proper or necessary.” That being their attitude, these five virgins did not make adequate personal preparation for the important position to which they have been called. They “took no oil with them” (v.3). Actually, they did have oil in their lamps, but not in the vessels they carried with them, and which provided reserves of oil. They lacked those reserves. They were like disciples, who having come to an understanding of the basic doctrines of truth, and having been baptized, failed to add to their knowledge of the will and purpose of God. They lack reserves of knowledge, and in times of stress or trial they more easily succumb to the pressures of life. On the other hand, the wise “took oil in their vessels with their lamps” (v.4). They had ample reserves for any emergency. The most solemn feature of the parable is the statement of v.5: “While the bridegroom tarried (cp. 2 Pet. 3:9), they all slumbered and slept.” They had anticipated that the bridegroom would come earlier than he did, but when this did not prove to be the case they became drowsy through the long wait. Some began to slumber, their heads nodding through tiredness, whilst others fell into a deep sleep. (The word “slumber” comes from a word signifying to nod the head.)
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mdifrancesco
Guest
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(PARABLE OF THE 10 VIRGINS):
The parable suggests that all will be in that state: either with heads nodding in weariness, or else asleep in spiritual or literal death. The Apostles realized the significance of this suggestion and warned against it. “Let us not (spiritually) sleep, as do others,” exhorted Paul, “let us watch and be sober” (1 Thess. 5:6). The cry came at midnight, when least expected, and all arose to trim their lamps, that the light which identified them might shine forth at its best. Thus the oil symbolizes the power of the spirit word, shining forth through individual actions and character. It was when the virgins came to trim their lamps, that the foolish realized how inadequate was the store of oil they had provided. Similarly it will be when we are brought under the pressure of the Judgment Seat, then we will all recognize how inadequate have been our preparations for it. The foolish panicked and pleaded but in vain. As Psalm 49:7 declares: “None can by any means redeem his brother, or give to God a ransom for him.” We cannot provide the oil or the light for others. Each one must shine forth on his own account. The wise virgins acknowledged this, a principle stressed later on by Peter who had previously listened to the parable with wonder as to what it might mean. He later wrote: “If the righteous scarcely are saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:18). The answer is: They will not at all appear as saved persons! We must not be discouraged by the statement that the righteous scarcely are saved. If we really love God and seek to please Him, He will overlook our weakness and grant us eternal life. Remember: He has revealed Himself unto us as a Father, and like as a father pities his children, so Yahweh pities them that fear Him (Ps. 103:13). The Psalmist adds: “For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (v.14). But we must not delay using the means that He has provided us in order that we might be saved. Among the important things delivered into our care, is His Word. If we ignore it, or fail to use the privilege of prayer, we deny ourselves the means of strength that will enable us to “shine forth as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation” (Phil. 2:15). In that case, we, too will find the door closed against us, and all our pleading will be unavailing. In the days of Noah, the door of the ark was closed against those who desired to enter once they saw the storm banking up (Gen. 7:16). In the days of Israel, the people called out of Egypt were not permitted to “enter in because of unbelief” (Heb. 3:18-19). At the Judgment Seat of Christ the door of the entrance to the Kingdom will be closed against certain, in spite of their pleading. Christ declared: "When once the master of the house gets up, and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door saying, Lord, open unto us, he will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from (Luke 13:25). Christ will say, “I don’t know you” In those words he will disown those virgins who claim to know him. Why will he do this to those who are described as “virgins?”
Because with all their profession of belief, with all their verbal acknowledgment of the principles of Christ, and with all their external identification with Him, they have failed to build into their lives the slightest resemblance of His character. They have failed to apply in action what they may have acclaimed in word. The Psalmist declares the need of revealing in deed the significance of doctrines embraced: “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord,” He exhorted worshippers who, in his day, failed to apply the principles they professed." (Psa. 4:5) If we fail to do that God will ignore us in time of trouble: Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; and you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof; I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, when your dread comes like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but they will not find me, because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD. "They would not accept my counsel, they spurned all my reproof. So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices. "For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. “But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.” (Prov. 1:24-33) Paul summarizes the matter thus: “The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are His. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:19).
(PARABLE OF THE 10 VIRGINS):
The parable suggests that all will be in that state: either with heads nodding in weariness, or else asleep in spiritual or literal death. The Apostles realized the significance of this suggestion and warned against it. “Let us not (spiritually) sleep, as do others,” exhorted Paul, “let us watch and be sober” (1 Thess. 5:6). The cry came at midnight, when least expected, and all arose to trim their lamps, that the light which identified them might shine forth at its best. Thus the oil symbolizes the power of the spirit word, shining forth through individual actions and character. It was when the virgins came to trim their lamps, that the foolish realized how inadequate was the store of oil they had provided. Similarly it will be when we are brought under the pressure of the Judgment Seat, then we will all recognize how inadequate have been our preparations for it. The foolish panicked and pleaded but in vain. As Psalm 49:7 declares: “None can by any means redeem his brother, or give to God a ransom for him.” We cannot provide the oil or the light for others. Each one must shine forth on his own account. The wise virgins acknowledged this, a principle stressed later on by Peter who had previously listened to the parable with wonder as to what it might mean. He later wrote: “If the righteous scarcely are saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:18). The answer is: They will not at all appear as saved persons! We must not be discouraged by the statement that the righteous scarcely are saved. If we really love God and seek to please Him, He will overlook our weakness and grant us eternal life. Remember: He has revealed Himself unto us as a Father, and like as a father pities his children, so Yahweh pities them that fear Him (Ps. 103:13). The Psalmist adds: “For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (v.14). But we must not delay using the means that He has provided us in order that we might be saved. Among the important things delivered into our care, is His Word. If we ignore it, or fail to use the privilege of prayer, we deny ourselves the means of strength that will enable us to “shine forth as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation” (Phil. 2:15). In that case, we, too will find the door closed against us, and all our pleading will be unavailing. In the days of Noah, the door of the ark was closed against those who desired to enter once they saw the storm banking up (Gen. 7:16). In the days of Israel, the people called out of Egypt were not permitted to “enter in because of unbelief” (Heb. 3:18-19). At the Judgment Seat of Christ the door of the entrance to the Kingdom will be closed against certain, in spite of their pleading. Christ declared: "When once the master of the house gets up, and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door saying, Lord, open unto us, he will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from (Luke 13:25). Christ will say, “I don’t know you” In those words he will disown those virgins who claim to know him. Why will he do this to those who are described as “virgins?”
Because with all their profession of belief, with all their verbal acknowledgment of the principles of Christ, and with all their external identification with Him, they have failed to build into their lives the slightest resemblance of His character. They have failed to apply in action what they may have acclaimed in word. The Psalmist declares the need of revealing in deed the significance of doctrines embraced: “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord,” He exhorted worshippers who, in his day, failed to apply the principles they professed." (Psa. 4:5) If we fail to do that God will ignore us in time of trouble: Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; and you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof; I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, when your dread comes like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but they will not find me, because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD. "They would not accept my counsel, they spurned all my reproof. So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices. "For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. “But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.” (Prov. 1:24-33) Paul summarizes the matter thus: “The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are His. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:19).
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mdifrancesco
Guest
Tom,Hi, Mdifrancesco,
Welcome to CAF … I think you will find this is a really great place to find out the Love and Power of God. Some of your readers are old men… like myself…
Oh, I gather from the quotes you provided, that one can lose their salvation.
God bless
Thanks for the suggestions! I like to put things bluntly, but also in love. The bottom line in everything I have learned and read on this subject (as it seems to bring out a lot of fear in people questioning their own salvation), can be laid out in simple terms that SHOULD bring comfort:
Lets take a couple that are happily married. They have a relationship together, but as MOST couples, they have good days and bad days… Lets say they have a BIG argument. They say and do things they don’t really mean (happens to us all).
Here is the question:
Do any of them go back the next day and ask their mate if “they are still married”?
Answer: NO… that would be ridiculous. Of course they are still married.
The point: When you are in true relationship with Jesus Christ, (even when you have bad days and sin - more than usual), you don’t question your salvation. You “know that you know” you are saved.
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PRmerger
Guest
What you are talking about, when you have a BIG argument, in this analogy, is venial sin. When you and your Spouse have arguments, you must still make amends but are still married.
However, when you and your Spouse divorce, (mortal sin) there is only one way to become One again–through re-marriage (i.e. through the Sacrament of Reconciliation).
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mdifrancesco
Guest
I have trouble with “venial” and “mortal” sins debate. My perception is “sin is sin”. If I committed a big sin or little sin, I still needed Jesus to die for that sin or I would be in hell. So I don’t make distinctions between the two.
The Bible says in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” - no distinction on the type of sin.
The Bible says in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” - no distinction on the type of sin.
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mdifrancesco
Guest
And anyway… the point I was trying to make has to do with RELATIONSHIP. When you are in relationship, things happen, but the relationship remains. If you willfully PRACTICE doing evil in the midst of that relationship, there is where the question lies as to the validity of it.
Remember Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Remember Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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SteveVH
Guest
A better scenario is what happens when one spouse comes home to find the other in the sack with someone else. Has the relationship been broken? Yes. Are you still married? Maybe. Do you “know” that you are going to stay married? Hmmm. That is what mortal sin does. It breaks the relationship. It isn’t something you just “get over” and start going about your daily routine. An argument, yes. Infidelity, no. And that is exectly the situation with our God. Mortal sin is complete infidelity and severs our relationship. Unless there is true contrition and the intention never to do it again, the spouse who was cheated on will have a hard time forgiving. God is always merciful and forgiiving but we must have true contrition and ask for that forgiveness otherwise we will not receive it.
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tqualey
Guest
Hi, Mdifrancesco,
Nice font and pitch… no problem reading this… thanks…
Nice font and pitch… no problem reading this… thanks…
Tom,
Thanks for the suggestions! I like to put things bluntly, but also in love. The bottom line in everything I have learned and read on this subject (as it seems to bring out a lot of fear in people questioning their own salvation), can be laid out in simple terms that SHOULD bring comfort:
Sounds good, Mdifrancesco
Lets take a couple that are happily married. They have a relationship together, but as MOST couples, they have good days and bad days… Lets say they have a BIG argument. They say and do things they don’t really mean (happens to us all).
Here is the question:
Do any of them go back the next day and ask their mate if “they are still married”?
Answer: NO… that would be ridiculous. Of course they are still married.
The point: When you are in true relationship with Jesus Christ, (even when you have bad days and sin - more than usual), you don’t question your salvation. You “know that you know” you are saved.
That’s a pretty good analogy. The snag comes in when you consider that self-deception is a very common human failing. And, while we like to think that, “…we know what we know…” most folks do better with objective criteria. For example, John 14:15 Christ tells us that if you love Christ, you will keep His commandments. Bassically, we have two to immediately consider - loving God with all of our heart, mind and strength and our neighbor as oursleves (Matt 22:37-40).
And, while it does not end there … it shows us all where we need to first look to avoid self-deception…
God bless
John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments
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Xavierlives
Guest
Wow… that sounds just like John 14:16-17
16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
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tqualey
Guest
Hi, Mdifrancesco,
Tell me, does this scripture contained in 1John 5:13-21 give you a problem?
**13 I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God. 14 And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours. 16 If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and he will give him life. This is only for those whose sin is not deadly. There is such a thing as deadly sin, about which I do not say that you should pray. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly. 18 We know that no one begotten by God sins; but the one begotten by God he protects, and the evil one cannot touch him. 19 We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the evil one. 20 We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us discernment to know the one who is true. And we are in the one who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Children, be on your guard against idols. **
While the operative section is contained in verses 13-17, John does present some good ideas that may be helpful…
God bless
Tell me, does this scripture contained in 1John 5:13-21 give you a problem?
**13 I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God. 14 And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours. 16 If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and he will give him life. This is only for those whose sin is not deadly. There is such a thing as deadly sin, about which I do not say that you should pray. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly. 18 We know that no one begotten by God sins; but the one begotten by God he protects, and the evil one cannot touch him. 19 We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the evil one. 20 We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us discernment to know the one who is true. And we are in the one who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Children, be on your guard against idols. **
While the operative section is contained in verses 13-17, John does present some good ideas that may be helpful…
God bless
C
Carlan
Guest
Hello, Mdifrancesco,
To use your analogy, if a married couple have problems with disagreements, personality differences that lead to discord in everyday life they work it out and become happier people because of it.
However, if the problems are very serious , such adultery, substance abuse, physical violence really bad stuff it will destroy a relationship if repentance isn’t involved.
Same with God the big stuff does make a difference and if repentance and contrition, reconciliation, forgiveness and absolution isn’t there to repair the relationship with God we will lose it forever. Yes , there is a big difference.
God Bless, peace,Carlan
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Xavierlives
Guest
I do not deny that sin is deadly. Catholics have viewed this scripture to mean sin can be divided into two categories. But both camps gain insight from verse 17. One camp says, “all wrong doing is sin” the other camp says, “there is sin that is not deadly.”Hi, Mdifrancesco,
Tell me, does this scripture contained in 1John 5:13-21 give you a problem?
**13 I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God. 14 And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours. 16 If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and he will give him life. This is only for those whose sin is not deadly. There is such a thing as deadly sin, about which I do not say that you should pray. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly. 18 We know that no one begotten by God sins; but the one begotten by God he protects, and the evil one cannot touch him. 19 We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the evil one. 20 We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us discernment to know the one who is true. And we are in the one who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Children, be on your guard against idols. **
While the operative section is contained in verses 13-17, John does present some good ideas that may be helpful…
God bless
Well we can look to Genesis or Romans and see death is the result of sin. End of story. So can we then look to 1 John 5 and say, that not all sin results in death? No. All sin separates us from God. When I do not listen to the Holy Spirit telling me to give the homeless man a few bucks, I sin. I am separating myself from God’s love. Is this a deadly sin per se? No. But if I continually reject the Spirit, then maybe I am once step closer to an unfavorable demise.
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Xavierlives
Guest
Is this also where my wife is supposed to recognize I am always right?Hello, Mdifrancesco,
To use your analogy, if a married couple have problems with disagreements, personality differences that lead to discord in everyday life they work it out and become happier people because of it.
However, if the problems are very serious , such adultery, substance abuse, physical violence really bad stuff it will destroy a relationship if repentance isn’t involved.
Same with God the big stuff does make a difference and if repentance and contrition, reconciliation, forgiveness and absolution isn’t there to repair the relationship with God we will lose it forever. Yes , there is a big difference.
j/k
M
mdifrancesco
Guest
Hi, Mdifrancesco,
Tell me, does this scripture contained in 1John 5:13-21 give you a problem?
**13 I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God. 14 And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours. 16 If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and he will give him life. This is only for those whose sin is not deadly. There is such a thing as deadly sin, about which I do not say that you should pray. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly. 18 We know that no one begotten by God sins; but the one begotten by God he protects, and the evil one cannot touch him. 19 We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the evil one. 20 We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us discernment to know the one who is true. And we are in the one who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Children, be on your guard against idols. **
While the operative section is contained in verses 13-17, John does present some good ideas that may be helpful…
God bless
I have no problem with any of God’s Word…
There is sin leading to death: Because he speaks in context of a brother, it is probably wrong to see him meaning a sin leading to spiritual death; he probably means a sin leading to the *physical *death of the believer.
This is a difficult concept, but we have an example of it in 1 Corinthians 11:27-30, where Paul says that among the Christians in Corinth, because of their disgraceful conduct at the Lord’s Supper, some had died (many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep). This death came not as a condemning judgment, but as a corrective judgment (But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world, 1 Corinthians 11:32).
Apparently, a believer can sin to the point where God believes it is just best to bring them home, probably because they have in some way compromised their testimony so significantly that they should just come on home to God.
However, it is certainly presumptuous to think this about every case of an untimely death of a believer. Our lives are in God’s hands, and if He sees fit to bring one of His children home, that is fine.
Some believe that **brother **is used here in a very loose sense, and what John means by the sin leading to death is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, which is the willful, settled rejection of Jesus Christ. But this would be a curious use of the term brother, especially according to how John has already used brother in his own letter.
I do not say that he should pray about that: Apparently, when a Christian is being corrected in regard to a sin leading to death, there is no point in praying for his recovery or restoration - the situation is in God’s hands alone.
There is sin not leading to death: John takes pains to recognize that not every sin leads to death in the manner he speaks of, though all unrighteousness is sin.
J
jmcrae
Guest
We do this by means of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Right - like money, sports, fame, physical perfection, sex, music, etc.
- Status