One of the statements of faith that I heard numerous times by Christians on the campus of the University of Delaware was “once saved always saved.” From a theological standpoint, I listened to several convincing arguments based upon the belief that the blood Jesus shed on the cross wasn’t wasted. When you add a few passages written by the apostle Paul where many is used instead of all, once saved always saved makes sense.
Listen then to the [meaning of the] parable of the sower: 19 [h]While anyone is hearing the Word of the kingdom and does not grasp and comprehend it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the roadside, Matthew 13:18-19.
However, at the conclusion of one of Jesus’ parables, the disciples were completely stumped, unable to figure out what Jesus was trying to say. Subsequently, disciples met privately with Jesus to discover what He meant by the Parable of the Sower. Based upon Jesus’ own words in the passage above, it appears that faith can be stolen as apparently the Devil can snatch away the spiritual seed sown in a new believer’s heart. Yet, the greater message is beware of the spiritual environment in which you plant yourself.
I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. 10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows). 11 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep, John 10:9-11.
Meanwhile, the disciple whom Jesus loved recounts another analogy about Sheep and their Shepherd. Jesus compares Himself to the lone gate in a fenced shepherd’s field. The Thief, likely the Devil, attempts to convince human beings that there are other doors that led to heaven, Acts 4:12. Meanwhile, Christians should expect ongoing spiritual warfare seeking to steal your spiritual joy, kill your attempts to discern and follow God’s will and destroy your faith. Hebrews 6 and 9 address the question if faith can be stolen in further details. If faith comes from hearing the Word, Romans 10:17, keep on reading the Bible before you reach an ultimate decision.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 