TRUTH  OR  TRADITION?

“Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?”

Matthew 15:3

ETERNAL SECURITY #2

            Once In Grace Always In Grace¼..Truth or Tradition?    Can a Christian fall from grace?   Can one who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ so sin as to be eternally lost? 

            Can forgiveness be forfeited?  Jesus told a parable about a king who called his servants to account,  and found one who owed him ten thousand talents.  Because the man pleaded with the king to be patient and promised to pay it all,   the king was moved with compassion and forgave the debt.   Later he refused to forgive a fellow servant who owed him an hundred pence,  and was brought back before the king.   His debt was reinstated and he was cast into prison till he  should pay all.  Jesus concluded the parable:   “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you,   if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”   (Matthew:18:23-35).   Was this man not once

in his master’s grace (forgiven)?   Did he not lose it?   Why did Jesus tell this parable?   Is there not a warning here for all His disciples?

            Can a servant of the Lord lose his reward?   Jesus once told of a steward who had been placed in charge of his master’s household.   If the steward is found faithful when the master returns he will be blessed.   But if that same steward misuses and abuses  the authority given him,  he will be beaten with many stripes,   and the master will assign his portion with the unbelievers.  (Luke 12:42-48).    His reward  (or punishment)  will be determined by what he is doing when the master returns.   Does he not have a choice?   Will he remain in the master’s grace if  he chooses to be unfaithful?  Why did Jesus teach this parable?

            Can a disciple of Jesus be cast out?     Jesus  compared the church to a vineyard,  when He taught,   “I am the vine,   ye are the branches:   He that abideth in me,   and I in him,  the same bringeth forth much fruit¼.If a man abide not in me,   he is cast forth as a branch,   and is withered;    and men gather them,   and cast them into the fire,   and they are burned.”   (John 15:1-6).   The branches are clearly in union with the vine¼a part of the vine.   But if they are not producing fruit,   will they not be pruned and cast out?   

            What do you think?   Once In Grace Always In Grace¼..Truth  or Tradition?

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