Fundamentalists believe in the doctrine of Eternal Security otherwise known as the “Once Saved, Always Saved” approach to soteriology. However, this assurance robs fundamentalists of a vital tool used by other sects for keeping people in line; namely, the ability to threaten damnation for the malefactor’s eternal soul.
Not at all deterred by this, the fundamentalist simply modifies the approach slightly and instead suggests that if a person is currently in indulging in unspeakable wickedness, worldliness, and other types of wayward wandering that it’s likely they were never actually saved to start with. One way or another, if you sin you’re gonna burn.
Here’s the process.
1. The Question
“Would any true Christian be interested in reading that book?”
“Could a person who truly has the Holy Spirit happily go to that place?”
“If a person is truly born again could they really love that worldly thing?”
2. The Feigned Concern
“I’m concerned about your walk with the Lord.”
“I’m just don’t see the kind of growth that a true believer would have.”
“I think you may be self-deceived. Did you really mean it when you prayed?”
3. The Benediction
“Has there ever been a time in your life…”
“I’m going to see about getting you some spiritual counseling.”
“I will pray for you.”
Your eternal destiny is heavy price to pay for wanting to read the latest fantasy novel or listen to the radio.
By the way, if you’re going to stay in fundyland, my advice is to learn how to cry on command when confronted with these individuals. Show remorse and let them move on to the next victim. The penitent man shall pass.
“This work of God is the ‘evidence of salvation’ I believe in – growing in love towards God AND others. More laws create only more sin – our own works, and attempts to obey the Law never brings favor before God – only brings us more misery and pain.”
If only more people understood this 🙁
No sin is greater then any other in gods eyes. Why is it tht someone can be full of prid and not have their salvation questioned but when they say a curse word their salvation is immediately put into question. Heck my dad has asked me if I was saved because I didn’t want to give my testimony( I was 12 and very very shy) I have lived under tht concept so long and have found myself doing the something. It wasn’t until recently it dawned on me tht one can be a homosexual and still be saved because I’ve always Taught the assumption tht u can’t. But what makes tht different them pride. What makes lying worse then murder? According to scripture( sorry I’m not as scholarly as all of u and can’t quote the vs) breaking one commandment makes u guilty of them all. Sorry for the vent.
Peace
My pastor found a John Grisham book in my room when i was 14(He was searching for the porn i didnt have) and then immediately brought it out and said “would a true christian really read this” my response “its jsut a book dude 🙄 ‘
Hilarious reply, but you had a pastor searching your room in your home @ 14? I know there are people out there who do/condone that, but it still amazes me.
Priceless. Thanks for sharing.
I love this. However I have to point out that there are fundies (or partial fundies?) who do believe you can lose your salvation though their methods don’t really differ much. I grew up in an AoG church and we were encouraged to pray the sinner’s prayer every time there was an altar call since we’d probably been “backsliding” since the last time. I am one of the most saved individuals I know now. 🙄
Yeah, sort of like Catholics going to confession…oh, wait… 😕
I have tattoos. I got them AFTER I “became a Christian” I am deluded because I have have the Mark of Satan on me, and am now his. This site proves it.
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20America/Apostasy/tattoos.htm
So I can go to Hell. End of argument