Can one who commits suicide be saved?

Can one who commits suicide be saved?

Exodus 20:13; Acts 24:15; Romans 5:2”“5; 2 Corinthians 1:10

Suicide is a grave sin equivalent to murder (Exodus 20:13; 21:23), but it can be forgiven like any other sin. And Scripture says clearly that those redeemed by God have been forgiven for all their sins--past, present, and future (Colossians 2:13-14). Paul says in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

So if a true Christian would commit suicide in a time of extreme weakness, he or she would be received into heaven (Jude 24). But we question the faith of those who take their lives or even consider it seriously--it may well be that they have never been truly saved.

That's because God's children are defined repeatedly in Scripture as those who have hope (Acts 24:15; Romans 5:2-5, 8:24; 2 Corinthians 1:10, etc.) and purpose in life (Luke 9:23-25; Romans 8:28; Colossians 1:29). And those who think of committing suicide do so because they have neither hope nor purpose in their lives.

Furthermore, one who repeatedly considers suicide is practicing sin in his heart (Proverbs 23:7), and 1 John 3:9 says that "no one who is born of God practices sin." And finally, suicide is often the ultimate evidence of a heart that rejects the lordship of Jesus Christ, because it is an act where the sinner is taking his life into his own hands completely rather than submitting to God's will for it. Surely many of those who have taken their lives will hear those horrifying words from the Lord Jesus at the judgment--"I never knew you; Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness" (Matthew 7:23).

So though it may be possible for a true believer to commit suicide, we believe that is an unusual occurrence. Someone considering suicide should be challenged above all to examine himself to see whether he is in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).

by John MacArthur

In other words, if a Christian does it is, it is okay and will be forgiven. But if anyone else even considers it, they are lost and will be punished for it. Typical Calvinist OSAS perseverance lies.

What God's Word rightly divided actually teaches.
Ezekiel 18:23-32
"23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? 24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? 26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. 27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 29 Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? 30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye."

I don’t see it as a Calvinist OSAS issue.

The only issue on the table is whether a person who commits suicide is saved when they do it. Some are, some are not.

Suicide is a sin, like a multitude of other sins. How often has a true Christian committed some sin, then a few seconds later dies or is killed in some accident.

Everything MacArthur says sounds good but perhaps he has not experienced the depths of despair or mental instability that lead some to suicide.

This is a very personal thread for me, and I've always just stood on these two scriptures, to help me keep moving forward.

"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

I might add, until you have been in a persons shoes that has lost a love one to suicide, they need all the hope they can get, rather in scripture or in love from their fellow believers. With my limited mind, I would find it awful hard to believe anyone would kill themselves, unless they were sickly depressed, or had some mental issues. Would a loving God not welcome his child into his arms after knowing they were not thinking right, or even capable of thinking right? I hope the God I serve would, if not, I'm serving the wrong God.

The original article says that suicide is a sin equal to murder (I agree). It then goes on to quote (out of context) Colossians 2:13-14 and Romans 8:38-39 to assert that even suicide can't separate one redeemed by God from His love. This is an OSAS issue I there ever was one. The article then cites Jude 24(totally inappropriately if you actually read Jude 24 in context) to say that that if a Christian commits suicide in a moment of weakness they will be received into heaven. I then ask: How many who have committed suicide do so in a moment of strength? Mcarthur has indeed just said "ye shall not surely die" for committing a sin that he acknowledges is equal to murder. Mcarthur then says "But we question the faith of those who take their lives or even consider it seriously--it may well be that they have never been truly saved." This is his Calvinistic perseverance showing itself- to him you either got saved before and nothing you can do can reverse that- or you never really did and never really had a chance to at all. The Scriptures teach on the other hand the need to exercise a living faith that obeys and worships God in the present (Romans 1:16-17 Hebrews chapters 3-4, Hebrews 5:9, etc). Ezekiel 18:23-32 deals with this and proves that being in God's favor is not about whether you were ever "saved" before- it is whether you'll reject sin and serve God in the present. Suicide is a choice to forsake God and there can be no repentance from suicide because you can't repent after death. John 3:16 in its context aligns with Ezekiel 18:23-32 (since God's Word is consistent and it is the same God speaking throughout the bible). Can you read John 3:17-21 and still say God will accept a person and apply Christ's atonement to them as they choose darkness and commit suicide? Not the Holy God of Scripture. Suicide is by its very nature an act of unbelief and rejection of God's right to you. I am writing now to refute OSAS and abuse of grace as a license to sin in general; yet I originally commented because there may be people in despair or mental instability reading this (as I have been in too). They need to know that there is indeed hope in a living faith in Jesus (which indeed means choosing to suffer for the sake of His Word/Truth even when living itself seems like a burden). There is no hope in suicide and it is not compatible with a living faith in Christ. Those who are in despair should not make it worse by rebelling against and cutting themselves off from the very source of Hope. "17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:17) The Bible frequently says "if"- and "if" is meaningless should you get the same thing even when you don't meet the condition that "if" stated.

That’s a bunch of hooey gt768.

I hope you are confessing 24/7 every second of every day because God forbid you sin and then croak before you have s chance to confess it.

Hooey

noun -

silly or worthless talk, writing, ideas, etc.; nonsense; bunk

RELATED WORDS

bananas, garbage, absurdity, fatuity, bunk, baloney, blather, bombast, claptrap, babble, giddiness, imprudence, idiocy, drivel, bull, balderdash, irrationality, hogwash, folly, foolishness

__________________________

I just broadened my vocabulary by looking this word up. I never thought it was even a word.

A side note;

I've got a small pond in my backyard. As I was writing this post I just heard one of the bullfrogs making noise. They all begin to croak loudly about this time of the evening. I've often thought that if I only knew their language I'd know what they were saying. But then again, it's probably just a bunch of hooey.

Common sense tells us that many, if not most of us will die with sins of which we have not repented.

God's Word is on my side and reveals who is speaking hooey.

Ephesians 5:5-12- "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: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret."

The Apostles of Christ say we're not to partake of evil with the children of disobedience, we're not to have any fellowship at all with the unfruitful works of darkness- and that any who do will face God's wrath; the Word says (directly to Christians by the way) "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." I say the same thing as they did and it's called hooey. Paris Reidhead said many similar things in "Ten Shekels and a Shirt", a message that I can see is promoted here- but those statements must be hooey too.
Quote from Ten Shekels and a Shirt: "If the only reason you repented, dear friend, was to keep out of Hell, then all you are is JUST A LEVITE SERVING FOR TEN SHEKELS AND A SHIRT! THAT'S ALL! You're trying to serve God because He'll do you good! But a repentant heart is a heart that has seen something of the enormity of the crime of playing God and denying the just and righteous God the worship and obedience that He deserves! Why should a sinner repent? BECAUSE GOD DESERVES THE OBEDIENCE AND LOVE THAT THE SINNER HAS REFUSED
TO GIVE HIM! Not so that he'll go to heaven. If the only reason he repents is so that he'll go to heaven, it's nothing but trying to make a deal or a bargain with God. WHY SHOULD A SINNER GIVE UP ALL HIS SINS? WHY SHOULD HE BE CHALLENGED TO DO IT? WHY SHOULD HE MAKE RESTITUTION WHEN HE'S COMING TO CHRIST? BECAUSE GOD DESERVES THE OBEDIENCE THAT HE DEMANDS!"

Yet on the same site that promotes this sermon the majority (at least of the vocal ones) here are actually saying that one can turn their back on God, go live in sin, and not give the Holy God of Scripture the worship and obedience that He demands, even to the point of committing suicide (one of the ultimate acts of playing God) and yet they might still go to heaven anyways (i.e. "ye shall not surely die"). And then someone comes along and says with the Apostles to willful sinners "ye shall surely die- repent, serve God faithfully, suffer for Truth, ye must endure to the end to be saved like the Bible says so that iniquity shall not be your ruin"- and that is called hooey. Incredible.

I'm sure the Lord was told He was speaking hooey (by those who professed to God's people at that) when He insisted that ALL the uncleanness depart from the Temple.

I could give more Scriptures if necessary. Where is the option in these to just take yourself out of the picture by self-murder; or to just take pleasure in sinning and then vilify those who dare somehow try to argue that God will accept that or turn a blind eye to such who mock His mercy (even if they've been converted in the past)?

Psalm 103:17-18- "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them."

Matthew 7:13-17 "13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." (Matthew 7:13-17)

Matthew 24:9-14: "9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

Proverbs 14:9- "Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour."

Revelation 21:6-8- "6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Jesus didn't overcome for any of us; we have to overcome through Him (Hebrews 5:9, etc). I'm sure many of the fearful (i.e. cowardly) believed the lie that Jesus had forgiven their future sins and that they didn't need to run their race faithfully; same with those others described in verse 8 above. In many cases suicide was justified and went ahead with. How hateful to further this deception.

Satan is deceiving left and right, especially with his many versions of OSAS heresies- and especially through respected evangelical teachers/preachers. Heed the whole counsel of God and know for sure that to abide in Christ (i.e. remain in Christ) you need to fear God, shun sin to the best of your ability, keep His covenant as a whole, confess and forsake your sins in repentance to Christ your Lord and High Priest (you need Him in both these offices still) when/if you fail, and be faithful to His Word unto death (not the self-seeking death of suicide but rather suffering for the Truth of the Word however is necessary to be faithful).

Revelation 12:11- "11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

gt768-

First of all, I am not a proponent of OSAS; secondly, in the OP John MacArthur is quoted saying "So if a true Christian would commit suicide in a time of extreme weakness, he or she would be received into heaven (Jude 24)."

I agree with him that it would be exceedingly rare for a true Christian to fall so low as to commit suicide.

But some Christians are (or become) mentally ill, or are under some other form of extreme emotional or physical duress. Thank goodness God alone is their judge and not you. God chose murderers to be his greatest leaders and greatest apostle.

gt768.... I appreciate your feedback, maybe I can help you a little going forward, please remember not all this world understands and can interpret all scripture, so at times you may have to dumb down for some of us that come here that are not Bible scholars. When I say dumb down, I'm not saying water down any scripture, I'm saying I truly believe God wouldn't mind if you used a little wisdom and helped the less fortune in the understanding of the scriptures, by using some layman's terms and heart and wisdom, to help us understand better. We all can Google and search scriptures to prove our point/points, "I could even do that" but how many can "puff down" and speak from the heart and help us understand what God is saying in his word?

Example, I'm in the AC business, and I can talk to a customer where they have the deer in the headlights look after explaining my plan or repair to them, but I'm also blessed to be able to put those words into layman's terms, where they totally understand what I'm saying. GT, is it possible you can just set aside the scriptures for a moment, and explain to a lesser understanding person, the message you're trying to get across in layman's terms, to help me understand? We all should remember, some folks come here with no knowledge of the scriptures, and unless Greg designed SI to be for Bible Scholars only, we should all offer more grace to those that come here to learn.

They don't teach Algebra 2 or Precalculus or Statistics in first grade, some that come here are first graders, this is God's place, please don't come here all puffed up and throw out 20 scriptures that some may not understand, and say "the scriptures are on your side". If I don't understand those scriptures, how is it possible for me to know or understand that God's word "is" on your side?

God Bless
Mr. Bill

TMK, I sincerely thank you for the willingness to reason.
You say you're not a proponent of OSAS, yet considering your previous responses in this thread I honestly wonder if there is anything you believe a Christian can actually do to fall from grace, as evidenced by your defense of MacArthur's statement. Look at his abuse of Jude 24. The verse actually reads "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" The verse is speaking of God's grace to enable one to overcome sin and stay faithful so that they can stand before God faultless- it's sure not saying that God will receive someone if they turn away and die in sin like Macarthur is using it.

Yes, God is the Judge and not John Macarthur who is speaking contrary to the terms that the Judge has already laid out in advance to tell us the criteria for His verdicts. Who is J.M. to say that one's extreme weakness is an excuse when almost everyone who commits suicide does so in a time of extreme weakness, emotional duress, etc? Who is he to bend the rules like that when the Bible doesn't give him the authority to? He has basically said that we don't need to overcome and stay faithful if we feel extremely weak when the Judge's own word says that His grace is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12). This goes beyond suicide and applies to all willful disobedience. No one has the right to give up on serving God since He has promised grace to continue faithful to those who continue to diligently seek Him. Now I'd grant that if someone is incapacitated and really doesn't have the mental capacity to know what they are doing, then that is a matter that the Judge hasn't given us information to make a conclusion on. But when that is really the case, the contents of a discussion like this would not be relevant since they'd not be able to recall and/or process the info. Thank God for His mighty deliverance in Christ and that He can transform those who turn to Him and keep seeking Him into great Apostles though beforetime they may have been murderers.

MrBillpro, I'm sorry if what I said is really beyond you, but I can't set aside the Scriptures and speak out of my own heart. That would be wrong. To put the point though in layman's terms the best related to the question dealt with in this thread, here you go: Jesus said His mother and His brethren are those which hear the Word of God and do it. He really meant that. He is talking about the course and ultimate intent which we have chosen to set our hearts upon- and that is proven by our words and actions. We have to get on the right course, the strait and narrow way that leads to life which He spoke of- and we have to stay faithful and remain on it- otherwise we reject Christ's Lordship- and then His High Priesthood to atone for our sins cannot profit us. The Judge has already said it will not be well for those who die not submitted to Christ's authority- in other words, to those who die in unbelief. Hebrews 5:7-10 really puts this in layman's terms as well as it can be said; and also shows what those in extreme weakness, duress, etc ought to do.

Hebrews 5:7-10- "7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."

GT...Thanks! That helps, just to make sure we're on the same page, now I'm talking about people that have accepted Christ into their lives as their Lord and Savior. So if you're talking about people that have accepted Christ into their lives as their Lord and Savior, As I said before "Common sense tells us that many, if not most of us will die with sins of which we have not repented". So is everyone that has sinned today, and not repented yet, that die in the next 30 seconds, going to hell?

Gt...What do you make of these statements and scriptures? Thanks!

So, can a sin as grave as suicide destroy one's salvation?

The Bible tells us that at the moment of salvation a believer's sins are forgiven (John 3:16; 10:28). When we become a child of God, all of our sins, even those committed after salvation, are no longer held against us.

Ephesians 2:8 says, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (NLT) So, we are saved by God's grace, not by our own good deeds. In the same way that our good works don't save us, our bad ones, or sins, cannot keep us from salvation.

Paul made it plain in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from God's love:

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow -- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below -- indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There is only one sin that can separate us from God and send a person to hell. The only unforgivable sin is refusing to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Anyone who turns to Jesus for forgiveness is made righteous by his blood (Romans 5:9) which covers our sin -- past, present, and future.

I have pity for those who commit suicide, and compassion for the people who endure the terrible pain of losing someone to suicide.

Having said that, suicide is never excusable. I think the percentage of christians who take their own lives as a result of mental instability (I mean psychological problems so bad they have no control over it) is very small indeed. One of the characteristics of a born again person is a sound mind.

One of my brothers is bi-polar, he takes lithium and has schizophrenic tendencies. I am still faithful to warn him, though, if he takes his life he WILL end up separated from God forever in hell. Am I trying to scare him? Absolutely! I love him and he knows it. It isn't love to tell someone there is no penalty for self murder. Love will warn us of the consequences of our actions.

Sometimes people that have lost a loved one to suicide change their theology because the thought of being separated forever from them (and the thought of them in hell eternally) is too much for them to handle. I sympathize, though I can't agree.

Nigel, I could spin that to say "Sometimes people that have family members or friends that think about committing suicide, can change their theology because the thought of them wanting to commit suicide, is just to much for them to handle. I've posted scripture/scriptures that say this "There is only one sin that can separate us from God and send a person to hell. The only unforgivable sin is refusing to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Anyone who turns to Jesus for forgiveness is made righteous by his blood (Romans 5:9) which covers our sin -- past, present, and future." So are we splitting hairs, or is there solid evidence in scripture that say's suicide is an unforgivable sin, if so it would contradict the one I just posted.

I sincerely appreciate everyone's thoughts and opinions. but I don't think the subject of this debate is is very healthy for me personally, mind or spirit. I truly believe if you were to ask 100 of the worlds greatest theologians, they would also be split on their answers, so who am I to debate this subject. I hope all you Fathers have a wonderful and Blessed Fathers day, as we continue to serve the Greatest Father ever, Father God.

MrBillPro, You would say in another post that continuing with this discussion isn't healthy for you, but I'm going to respond to your earlier post since you addressed it to me. I won't mind if you do not respond.

You wrote "GT...Thanks! That helps, just to make sure we're on the same page, now I'm talking about people that have accepted Christ into their lives as their Lord and Savior. So if you're talking about people that have accepted Christ into their lives as their Lord and Savior, As I said before "Common sense tells us that many, if not most of us will die with sins of which we have not repented". So is everyone that has sinned today, and not repented yet, that die in the next 30 seconds, going to hell?"

We're definitely not on the same page. "Accepting Jesus" isn't a term the Bible uses, but letting that go and equating accepting Jesus with a living, obedient faith in Him, true belief in His entire person (and that's truly accepting Jesus), a faith that God is pleased with, then sins that are not repented of are not compatible with that. 1 John 3:4 says that sin is the transgression of God's law and John puts that in direct contrast to a real hope in Christ (read 1 John 3). Jesus is Lord and He upholds God's law (read Hebrews Matthew Matthew 5:17-18, 7:12, Hebrews 1:8-9, Revelation 22:14, etc)- I have to be submitted to His law or I'm at enmity with Him (see Romans 8:7). So yes, all those who die in willful sin go to hell and many Scriptures I've already posted prove that.

You wrote "Gt...What do you make of these statements and scriptures? Thanks! So, can a sin as grave as suicide destroy one's salvation? The Bible tells us that at the moment of salvation a believer's sins are forgiven (John 3:16; 10:28). When we become a child of God, all of our sins, even those committed after salvation, are no longer held against us."

The Bible never says anyone is ultimately and finally saved until they finish their race of faith faithful in God's eyes Hebrews 3:12-15- "12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation." If you mean the moment someone truly repents, believes on Christ, and enters into God's favor (i.e. God's grace) then that is only the beginning of their race, their rehabilitation program, their initiation into Christ's school (all synonymous). Anyone who doesn't believe that has to throw out many, many passages of God's Word- especially Hebrews 3 to 5, Hebrews 12, Revelation 2 and 3, Revelation 21-22 and a multitude of others- we need to live by every word of God, His whole counsel which never contradicts itself. Initial belief, even when genuine faith, is not final salvation- and nowhere in the Bible does it say that future sins can't be held against you. If that were the case then you would not need Christ's High Priesthood to cleanse your record anymore nor would you need to follow and Obey Jesus as Lord at all. Once saved always saved is a deadly deception and there are entire books in the Bible written to refute this damnable heresy brought in by grievous wolves (2 Peter and Jude in particular).

You then wrote: "Ephesians 2:8 says, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (NLT) So, we are saved by God's grace, not by our own good deeds. In the same way that our good works don't save us, our bad ones, or sins, cannot keep us from salvation."

We only enter into God's favor because we forsake our sins in repentance and submit to God's authority in Christ. God accepting us on these terms (His terms) is grace because we only deserved hell and He didn't have to provide a means to be received back into His favor. Ephesians 2:8 is saying that works cannot buy our way into God's favor nor atone for one's own sins. We cannot devise our own method to save ourselves that God is going to accept in place of His gracious offer and our meeting its terms. This was the error of many 1st century Jews (with their rejection of Christ thinking the ceremonies in the law were enough to save them) and it is the error of the RCC system (with its sacramental salvation). We are indebted to God and cannot work off our debt nor bribe Him. We are damaged by sin and cannot rehabilitate ourselves. Since Christ has provided an atonement for us as the perfect lamb of God, we can be accepted by faith in Him- but only a living, obedient faith that upholds God's authority and involves repentance and works meet for repentance. Otherwise God's grace would be a license to continue in sin or to return to sin- it is not. We must cooperate with God's purpose in offering us grace or we will not receive grace. Titus 2:11-14- "11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." To come to Christ and receive grace we must submit to and come into agreement with this purpose of grace seen above- and we must walk by faith and live by faith in like manner afterwards (Romans 1:16-17, Matthew 24:13, etc) Grace isn't earned, but it has terms (as many free gifts do). If we forsake living by the terms and refuse to come into line with the Truth His grace is instructing us in, we will thus forsake the benefits of grace. If this sounds strange it's because the slippery OSAS teachers and other liars will not say these things (at least without contradicting themselves quickly) because they are about scratching ears, getting a following, and making money.

You then wrote: "Paul made it plain in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from God's love:
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow -- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below -- indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

A good translation like the KJV doesn't say "nothing can separate us from God's love." Romans 8:38-39 is saying that no external force, circumstance or power can separate a faithful Christian from Christ's love. It is not saying that we can't separate ourselves by turning our back on God's authority and serving sin. If you read these verses in the context of Romans you'll see that Paul had already said that even the Christians he was writing to could yet go back and choose to serve sin and die (i.e. separate themselves from God's love). See Romans 6:15-16, Romans 8:13, Romans 11:22, etc. OSAS people misread Romans 8:38-39 to say that nothing can separate us from the love of God even should they forsake Jesus as Lord and refuse to do according to His Word. But Romans 8:38-39 doesn't say THAT.

You then wrote "There is only one sin that can separate us from God and send a person to hell. The only unforgivable sin is refusing to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Anyone who turns to Jesus for forgiveness is made righteous by his blood (Romans 5:9) which covers our sin -- past, present, and future."

And I addressed the content of this statement sufficiently in the rest of this post. Thank you for being willing to reason.

gt768, you speak the truth!