Christian Controversies - Salvation

Salvation is one of those things that we would think Christians would all understand and agree on. However, there are many divisions in the church today on what is true about salvation. First, can salvation be lost? I've met many Christians who live in fear thinking they need to be perfect in works in order to maintain their salvation. They constantly think they need to "get right with God" every day or every time they're aware of a sin in order to escape condemnation to the lake of fire. That may mean confessing the sin to another person or doing some kind act of repentance like coming to an altar. Another train of thought is that there are only a select few that are going to be saved from sin and death and the rest are condemned to the lake of fire already. This is something Calvanism teaches and emphasizes predestination. In other words, only a few were predestined for everlasting life and all others were predestined for everlasting torment and we have no say in the matter. Another viewpoint is that everyone is saved because Jesus Christ did everything on the cross and all sin is gone. This is also called Universalism. So how do we answer all these isms? Like always, let's just see what the bible says.

First, we need to recognize a couple of things. The word of God is true and is the one source of truth (Rom 3:4). Second, that God says what He means and doesn't leave us with ambiguous words. Third, that salvation in the bible is referring to being saved from the consequences of sin, which is death and  eternal separation from God in the lake of fire (Rom 6:23a, Mark 9:42-48, etc.). And finally, God's ways of dealing with mankind has changed throughout history and we need to recognize those differences (Phil 1:10, 2 Tim 2:15). Knowing these things will help us in our study on what God says is salvation for today's age.

Considering the third point, what age are we in? How does God deal with mankind today? It is called the dispensation of the grace of God, Paul's gospel, the revelation of the mystery, the gospel of Christ,  the gospel of the uncircumcision, etc. (Rom 16:25, 1 Cor 1:17 cf with 1 Cor 4:15, 1 Cor 9:18, 2 Cor 9:13, 10:14, Gal 1:6-9, 2:7, Eph 3:1-9, Phil 1:27, Col 1:23, etc.). For those that don't believe me, prayerfully consider Galatians 2:7 and ask God what is meant by the two different gospels mentioned there. I always encourage not to just trust me and my words, but see what God says since He's the one that cannot lie (Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18).

Knowing that we are in the dispensation of the grace of God, we need to turn to the apostle that was given this dispensation to understand the doctrine of it. That would be Paul as it is clear in Romans 11:13 and Ephesians 3:1-7 as well as a few other places.

Romans 11:13

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office

Ephesians 3:1-7

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

So what does God say through Paul about salvation from sin? I'm going to start by looking historically in Paul's first recorded message as an apostle, eventually covering Acts 13:16-41. Here are the first few verses:

Acts 13:16-18

16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.

Note well Paul's audience. He addresses "men of Israel" and "ye that fear God." According to Acts 13:14 they were in a synagogue, so we ought to expect that the audience would be Israelites and Gentiles of Jewish faith. The men of Israel are just that: men born in Israel from Israelite parents. The "ye that fear God" would be any Gentile that has proselytized to the Jewish faith. Remember the Jews, or Israelites, were the chosen people whom God revealed His word through (Rom 3:1-2). Paul begins his address by reminding these faithful of God's Word what happened in their history. The ensuing verses is simply to lay the groundwork for his point at the end.

Acts 13:19-23

19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

No doubt that these faithful men would know about the promise God made to David their king. I think it's interesting that Paul cuts right to the point and says that that prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus. Remember, this is a time in history where the little flock led by Peter were trying to preach the good news of the Messiah and coming kingdom that was promised through the seed of David, but not all had believed. In fact, we can see the determination that God had concluded them in unbelief (Rom 11:25,32) in Acts 13:2 where He says "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." The English doesn't do enough to convey the original message from the Greek in that verse. There is a particle in the Greek, de, which provides emphasis. The verse should really say something like "Separate me now Barnabas and Saul..." or "Separate me indeed..." or "Separate me truly." This was a big deal and should be noted as such. We will see the change in dispensations (house rules) later in this address.

Acts 13:24-26

24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

Again I just want to point out that Paul was addressing all who "feareth God." These are Jews and Gentiles. Anyone that fears God is sent this message that Jesus is the Messiah. Paul even uses the word for salvation there in verse 26. What salvation is he talking about? It's the salvation through the Savior Jesus as mentioned in verse 23. But first Paul is going to prove that Jesus is the Messiah in the upcoming verses and then let on what salvation in Jesus looks like.

Acts 13:27-37

27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

30 But God raised him from the dead:

31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

Paul is declaring all the prophecy that was fulfilled to prove Jesus as the Messiah. Remember Paul's audience did "fear God" yet they had not seen that Jesus was their Messiah. He was reminding them that all of this was available to be known in the scriptures they had. See those two words in verse 32, "glad tidings?" That word is also translate gospel in other places. The exact word is euangelizometha, but the root is euaggelizó. Paul is going to give them some really good news in these next verses now that He is showing Jesus as the promised one from God.

Acts 13:38-41

38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

In short, we have the gospel in verses 38-39. Through Jesus Christ is forgiveness of sins. Verse 39 is very clear that it is by Jesus that we are justified and the Law of Moses could not justify anyone of their sins by itself. Faith is required and not adherence to the Law of Moses for justification.

Think of how radical this message must have sounded at that time! Ever since the Law was given to Israel through Moses, they were taught to follow it and carry out all the works in it for the remission of sins. Now Paul says that they can't have sins remitted through the Law at this time and that it is by faith alone that they can obtain forgiveness of sins. Compare this message even to a couple of chapters back in Acts 10:35 where Peter gives the terms of salvation at that time.

Acts 10:35

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

See the difference? He that feareth him, or he that has faith in God, AND worketh righteousness, or keeps the Law. Faith plus works was the gospel since the Law was given to Moses up until Paul's address in Acts 13:38-39.

So I looked at Acts to show the terms of salvation today. All of Paul's epistles show that salvation is through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary and that the works of the Law have no part in salvation from sin and death any more. Knowing this, we should dive deeper into some of the controversy surrounding salvation. The first of which was the question as to whether or not salvation could be lost. We have several passages to look at which show that through Paul's gospel salvation can never be lost. I will then show some verses that people cite to show that it can. These are only a few, so I would encourage everyone to look for similar truths in the epistles of Paul.

Romans 8:35-39

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How can nothing separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus Christ our Lord? Because we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. I will discuss what that seal means after showing these verses.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 5:4-5

4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

The "earnest" there in verse 5 has this definition: arrhabṓn – properly, an installment; a deposit ("down-payment") which guarantees the balance (the full purchase-price). There is another  popular passage to consider:

Ephesians 1:12-14

12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Again, I encourage the reader to look for more such verses in Paul's letters, but I want to point out that we have both the seal (Greek sphragizó) and the earnest (arrhabon) in Ephesians 1:12-14. In the ancient days, people would put a seal on things, usually done by a ring in melted wax. This seal signifies ownership and the full security carried by the backing (full authority) of the owner. "Sealing" in the ancient world served as a "legal signature" which guaranteed the promise (contents) of what was sealed (HELPS Word-studies description). Another key aspect of this is that no one but the one who made the seal could break the seal. Also note that in each of the passages above where "sealed" is, that that word is in the Aorist tense. The Aorist tense of a verb has the idea of something occurring in the past and continuing through the present. In short, the seal was done at the moment of putting faith in Jesus Christ and the seal will continue to be there "until the redemption of the purchased possession." That would be the calling home to be with Jesus, whether by physical death or rapture (1 Thess 4:16-18).

Now some will cite these verses and claim that salvation CAN be lost. So let's look at those and see what the Word of God really says there.

1 Timothy 1:5-6

5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling

It is said that verse 6 here says that some have turned from a sincere faith and are now lost again. And quite honestly it looks like that at first glance. Can this be so? I encourage everyone to take a look at the Greek there whether you know the language or not. Here it is literally with links to Strong's concordance for your convenience:

1 Timothy 1:6 (Greek)

hōn tines astochēsantes exetrapēsan eis mataiologian

Quite literally, this says, "which some have been missing the mark have been going out of the way to idle talk." The Greek in no way indicates that these people that are engaging in that idle talk, or "vain jangling" as the KJV puts it, have readily received the faith in sincerity at any time. Take note that the words astochesantes and exetrapesan are both in the Aorist tense, which is why I translated as I did. The "have turned" isn't quite right as the KJV puts it as it is not a done deal in the past when the Greek is considered.

Another verse to try and dispute the concept of eternal security is later in 1 Timothy:

1 Timothy 1:18-20

18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Some will say that in verses 19 and 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander had the good conscience and were holding faith, as Timothy was charged with starting in verse 18, and now have lost it. Again I have to say, look at the original inspired text there. Here is the Greek for verse 19

1 Timothy 19 (Greek)

echōn pistin kai agathēn syneidēsin hēn tines apōsamenoi peri tēn pistin enauagēsan

The two verbs there, aposamenoi and enauagesan are in the Aorist tense. So taking a very literal approach to this sentence we would have, "Holding faith and good conscience, which some have been thrusting away concerning the faith have been making shipwreck." Do you see the difference there again? Paul isn't saying that they had a good conscience and faith and then thrust it away. They did thrust it away and continue to the present in thrusting it away, bringing their faith to nothing. The shipwreck again was not just something done in the past, but something they did and continue to do.

Also cited as proof that salvation can be lost is Ephesians 5:5-7

5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

It is said that Paul is referring to those who were sealed by the Holy Spirit that choose to engage in one of those unclean behaviors will not receive any inheritance. To that I would say to look at the context. What do the first four words of verse 5 say? This you all know. Paul wasn't saying "This you all could be." He is just stating a fact. Those that are fleshly and not spiritual have no inheritance in the kingdom of God. That makes sense right? Whoever doesn't receive the Holy Spirit is still dead in  trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1-2). But for those who have received the Holy Spirit, we are encouraged to put off that old man and put on the new (Eph 4:22-24, Col 3:9-10). Note also similar language in Colossians 3.

Colossians 3:5-8

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

See the command to put away those fleshly things in verse 5? The reason being in verse 6. But look at verse 7 and 8 where it says "In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these..." Paul is saying that before truly coming to the faith, everyone is a child of disobedience and fit for wrath. BUT NOW. What else could that mean but the change that took place the moment of salvation occurred and the seal of the Spirit put on the believer? BUT NOW put off all these. Now that you are saved, don't do those things anymore and grieve the Spirit. Also look at 1 Cor 6:9-11 for a similar argument from Paul.

I hope that it has been clear that when the Word of God is left to say what it says, that through the gospel given to the apostle Paul, there absolutely IS eternal security. This is different than those under the gospel of the kingdom, but I would encourage the reader to study that in more detail. Rest assured, once anyone comes to trust that Jesus took care of all their sins on the cross of Calvary that they are saved from that point forward into eternity.

Now let's take a look at the next point on the list, which is predestination. Thinking at a high level, what kind of God would we have if He didn't leave any choice up to His creation? In that sense, He created robots to do His bidding and we're all some twisted cosmic game to Him. This is certainly NOT the God of the bible. Back in Genesis, did God not give Adam and Eve a choice whether or not to eat the fruit? Did God make them eat the fruit? No, of course not. After being deceived by the lie that came from Satan, Adam and Eve both made the personal choice to eat it. This should almost be sufficient proof already, but let's take a look at a couple of problematic verses for those in favor of predestination.

The idea here is that God already predetermined those that would be saved and everyone else was predetermined to go to Hell. Here are verses cited for that:

Romans 8:29-30

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Now take a look at these verse slowly and let them say what they say. If we do that, all will be clear once again. "For whom he did foreknow." First think, would God have already known beforehand those that would trust in Him? A characteristic of God is that He is outside of time. He's the only one that knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). The text says that God KNOWS, not that God made the choice for those people, but that He already knew what the choice would be. God created  the unbelievers anyway knowing that all things would work out for good for those that would choose to trust in Him (See the previous verse in Rom 8:28 and further talk on that in chapter 9).

Of those that God knew would make the choice to trust him, God "also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son." Stop for a minute and think on this too. Did God predestine the people? No, that's not what the text says. God predestined those He foreknew that would trust Him to be conformed to the image of His Son. In other words, God set up this time before the foundation of the world that those who would trust in the gospel of His grace would be conformed to the image of His Son. What image is that? Phil 3 is pretty clear.

Phil 3:21

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Those who trust that Jesus took care of sins on the cross will inherit a glorious body like Jesus has. I don't know about you, but I'm sure looking forward to the day where my body will be super shiny and live with my God in Heaven. Anyway, back to the verses in Romans 8.

Verse 29 ends with "that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." From our previous discussion on the first part of that verse, this is saying that Jesus would be first to have that kind of body, but that many others would also get it. Nothing here in this verse talks of God predetermining eternity for each person. So let's turn our attention to verse 30.

"Moreover, whom He did predestinate." This again is referring to those who would trust in Him to be conformed to the image of His Son. It is a summation of verse 29 and nothing more. Look at the rest of it and see the progression here: "them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." What does it mean for those whom He called? God makes reference to that in verse 28. The called are those that love God according to that verse, but there's more to it than that. They are the called according to His purpose. What is His purpose? Why does He call on people? Because His will is that ALL men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). God calls on us to be reconciled to Him because He reconciled the world to Himself through Jesus Christ on the cross (2 Cor 5:19-21). Does that make it clear for those who are called? What's interesting to note is that all of the verbs in verse 30 are in the Aorist tense. This is an ongoing thing and absolutely not a done deal. People are being saved every day from the past through the present and all the way to whenever God decides to end His grace and pour out His wrath during the Tribulation period. If this isn't enough proof, let's look at another.

Ephesians 1:4-6

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

I could go back over all my previous statements on these verses again as the argument is the same. Let the text speak for itself. The first part of verse 4 says that God chose those that would trust Him to be in Him before He made the world. What does that mean? The rest of the verse explains "that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." How do we get there? Verse 5 says that God determined before the foundation of the world that those who trust in Him would be adopted as children through Jesus Christ to God the Father, according to His good pleasure. Verse 6 confirms that we are accepted in Jesus Christ (Greek Ēgapēmenō = Beloved One = Jesus Christ). This is the same consistent gospel that was given to Paul. Once a person trusts that Jesus Christ did all the work necessary for redemption from sin, they are placed into Christ and adopted as a child of God. The sacrifice of Christ makes that person accepted of God and no longer a child of disobedience and wrath.

Predestination in the sense that God handpicked Heaven or Hell for each individual is completely contrary to the character of God and what the bible says. Please be assured that it is an individual choice to be saved from sin or not. God has made it clear that He wants EVERYONE saved and not just a select few (1 Tim 2:4).

Lastly, let's tackle universalism. I'll first show a few verses that are cited in support of it and then show scripture that say it can't possibly be so anyway.

Acts 17:26

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

This one is a quick rebuke. Look at the context. Paul is addressing pagans on Mars Hill here and has to start with the beginning of history in order to share the gospel with them. This one blood of all nations (ethnos) of men is referring to the fact that we all have Adam as our fleshly father. All humans are one race. This verse has nothing to do with all being saved since as in Adam all die (1 Cor 15:22).

Malachi 2:10

Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

The point of this verse is to show that we are all of God. That is true, but this verse doesn't say anything that God has saved all from sins. The argument is empty.

Ezekiel 18:4

4Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine:

The statement I saw was that all things belong to God and He won't let sin and Satan have them forever. What I have up there is the verse cited in defense of universalism, except there's one giant problem. This isn't the entire verse. It ends with "the soul that sinneth, it shall die." I think it's pretty clear that there is division there between the sinner and the one with God, just like it was with Adam and Eve. If they ate the fruit they would die. God was gracious and merciful to provide a way back to Him, but the choice was still theirs. A similar argument can be made for Psalm 24:1.

Psalm 2:7-8

7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

John 3:35

35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Psalm 2 in verses 7 and 8 clearly show that all people were given to God's Son, whom we now know as Jesus. John 3:35 reiterates this from Jesus Himself. But those that would say this is in support of Universalism fail to see John 3:36, which says "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Again the choice to believe has consequences. I don't think it can get clearer than "he that believeth not the Son shall NOT SEE LIFE." He doesn't say they shall not see life until they decide to believe. It's just that the unbeliever shall not see life. Period.

1 Tim. 2:4 is even used in support of universalism, in that it is God's will that all be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Just because it is God's desire that all are saved doesn't automatically mean they will be. We see the plead for men to be reconciled to God in 2 Cor 5:20. We see several times throughout Jesus' earthly ministry that those who will not have faith are going to be thrown in the lake of fire (Matt 3:12, Mark 9:44, 48, etc.) We have the Great White Throne judgment in the book of the Revelation that clearly shows some will go into the lake of fire which was made for Satan and his angels (Rev 20:11-15). Not one of those verses give any indication that this judgment can be reversed.

The purpose of this study was to examine some of the different views on what salvation means to the Christian. In examining them and holding them up against scripture, it was to be clarified what the bible was saying so we can all be unified in that. I hope this has proved helpful in solidifying what the bible says on salvation for this day and age and the believer in God. Anyone who puts their faith in what Jesus Christ did for them, that He paid for their sins in full by shedding His blood on the cross of Calvary, they are saved from sin and death. Not only so, they are saved from the wrath of God, which will come in the Tribulation period (1 Thess 4:16-18). Believers today have a Heavenly hope, meaning they look expectantly to Heaven for Jesus to call us to be with Him and snatch us out of the way before the Tribulation takes place (Titus 2:13). As soon as faith is put in the finished work of Christ on the cross, the believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit and absolutely cannot lose that salvation. No one is predestined for Heaven or Hell, but the choice is left to each individual. So in light of that, I beseech you, be reconciled to God, for He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Search the scriptures to see if these things are so and ask yourself, "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?"