Can a Christian lose their faith and not be saved?
Big Questions | 09 July 2023 | Gareth Higgs
Today’s Reading
Introduction
Responding to real questions – rather than us deciding what needs to be taught
1 Peter 3:15 – reasons for the hope we have
How do we receive faith/salvation in the first place?
This passage helps us – v.21 – we once were alienated and estranged from God
Being out of relationship with God affected our whole being (v.21)
God worked to reach us and rescue us in Jesus
V.22 – but its God’s work – we can’t do anything to help, we can’t do anything to win favour with God – its all His undeserved kindness
So faith in this God of grace = being reconciled to God, seen as holy (v.22)
Two things – God has done all this – but we need to grasp hold of it by faith –
God’s choice to see us not as we are, but to see us through the lens of Jesus
Can we lose this?
When God has given us so much, why would we ever want to turn away from it?
V.23 – vital ‘if’
God has done incredible things for us in Christ, but still needs to be worked and lived out
Hebrews 6:4-6, 1 Timothy 1:19-20, 2 Peter 2:20-22, Matthew 7:21-23
All that has been given is never withdrawn, God is forever faithful but we can end up drifting away
Not a precise moment where we move from one position to another – God knows the deepest desires of our hearts
But keeping close and connected to Jesus is our responsibility
God doesn’t move away from us – if we feel distant from him consider what we can do to draw near
How do we keep going?
We need to take responsibility to walk in all God has given us
Jesus – take up cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23)
When we mess up there is unlimited grace – but again it needs to be received and taken hold of
Any relationship can grow cold and stagnant if we don’t keep investing in them – our relationship with Christ is no different
Step into God’s grace by faith each day