Having been raised by the combination of Southern Baptist and Pentecostal Holiness families, I remain today trapped between the schools of OSAS (Once Saved Always Saved)and the ability to lose one's salvation for one or any combination of many "sins."

     Many today are with me in this trap.  We want desperately to believe that God loves us so much that, once we have repented and accepted, He is able and willing tokeep us safe until that day of judgement.

     Yet, we are torn because it would seem preposterous that we can commit heinous sin and still be saved.

     The question really becomes, is the blood enough?

     So, what are we supposed to do?  What is God supposed to do, since most concede that HE wrote the book on this?  Our trouble steps in when we have to decide how to live our lives.  Can we be saved and live for Christ to the best of our ability; or must we constantly be busy about the tasks of being 'religious' which to some means a constant stream of meetings, visits, singings, foot washings, revivals etc.

     What do we expect God to say or do? At least two sides proclaim they are correct and produce scripture as proof.

     Again, I am made to rush to the scripture which tells us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Both cannot be correct - or can they? 

     Is it possible that God plants understanding even as He does gifts - severally as He will?  Knowing us, does He send us on our journey in separate cars all headed toward heaven?

     Holy Spirit taught me a lesson of the cars.

     Before we can drive legally, we must secure a driver's license.  It's the law and it is a necessity to be a TRUE (as in legal) driver on the open road.

 Once we do receive our drivers license, however, we may select any car we desire or even a truck.

     It matters not to the law what type of vehicle we choose.  All will get us to our destination now because we have a license to drive them. Some will choose a basic Ford, others a sturdy Chevrolet or fancy Oldsmobile, and still others may opt for the ultimate luxury Cadillac or Lincoln.  We may choose a color, a style and even special features.

     Each will have the basics. Once gas is provided for it, simply put the key in the ignition, turn it gently and it will start and go wherever you desire.

     The thing is, you choose.

     But,no matter what, you must have the license.

     Insofar as the Christian life, it is imperative that we all have salvation imparted.  It is our license to go forward in our life for and with Jesus Christ.  Without it,we cannot even start out on our journey to heaven.

     Thus, we know and most agree, we must have salvation. Most also agree that salvation only comes by way of the grace of God through the shed blood of Jesus.

     Disagreement comes at this point; but Holy Spirit showed me that, once we have the license, the car we select i.e. denomination or church doctrine can well be of our choosing.  None seek to lead us astray; on the contrary, they all seek to help us grow in our new found salvation and faith.

     Some may choose the Baptist doctrine, others the Presbyterian or Methodist; and still others may select the Pentecostal or Holiness.  Each seeks to get us where we are headed albeit in varying methods.  Once the blood is applied, we simply turn the key of faith and begin to move forward.

     Unlike the earthly license which may expire in 4-8 years depending on the state, the blood of Jesus is alive (quick) and suffices forever.  It does not expire because we have an accident or run off the road, as some assume.

     While embraced by the willow, my heart is made to know that the two seemingly opposing sides can be one.  The precious shed blood of Jesus indeed does suffice for salvation.  Those who are truly saved have no desire whatsoever to return to the dirt mounds and cesspools of their former lives.  Therefore, I find that indeed we are saved and kept so forever.

     On the other hand, the fact remains that salvation brings with it a vast change in direction for our lives.  Thus, we have a new spirit and desire to do that which is right in the sight of God.  Works, then, become a real necessity for this new life, not FOR salvation but BECAUSE we are saved.

     If there is no change, and thus no desire to do that which is right and commanded of God, then I would question the salvation experience.  It would be as though they failed their driving test by withholding a part of themselves and therefore must study the book more or practice more.  In the quest for salvation, one must open themselves fully to Christ, withholding nothing.

     However, again I would submit that it is not my call to make, but God's.  My duty and privilege is to love that person and live as best I can to personify Christ before him or her.

©2004 by James R. Adams, D.D.

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