I agree. The difficult thing though is we can fall from grace. So, having a proper balance is sometimes tough to know. I agree that if we die before repenting and asking forgiveness of a sin there may be grace where we will go to heaven. But there seems to be a point where if we live in the sin and our heart plays a factor, we can fall a…
I agree. The difficult thing though is we can fall from grace. So, having a proper balance is sometimes tough to know. I agree that if we die before repenting and asking forgiveness of a sin there may be grace where we will go to heaven. But there seems to be a point where if we live in the sin and our heart plays a factor, we can fall away where we won't be in heaven. This is where I say God being the perfect judge knows at what point we have fallen away but it can still leave this lingering doubt when I've struggled with a certain sin for years. I know in my heart it is wrong and don't like the sin but seem to continually struggle and fall at times.
Thanks for the comment, Aaron. You are totally right about the possibility of falling away, and that's always a crucial aspect of this conversation. I think the distinction the Hebrews author makes about "if we go on sinning deliberately..." (Heb. 10:26) is important here. Not all struggle with sin is continuous, deliberate sin. The "struggle against sin" (Heb. 12:4) can be a good sign.
I agree. The difficult thing though is we can fall from grace. So, having a proper balance is sometimes tough to know. I agree that if we die before repenting and asking forgiveness of a sin there may be grace where we will go to heaven. But there seems to be a point where if we live in the sin and our heart plays a factor, we can fall away where we won't be in heaven. This is where I say God being the perfect judge knows at what point we have fallen away but it can still leave this lingering doubt when I've struggled with a certain sin for years. I know in my heart it is wrong and don't like the sin but seem to continually struggle and fall at times.
Thanks for the comment, Aaron. You are totally right about the possibility of falling away, and that's always a crucial aspect of this conversation. I think the distinction the Hebrews author makes about "if we go on sinning deliberately..." (Heb. 10:26) is important here. Not all struggle with sin is continuous, deliberate sin. The "struggle against sin" (Heb. 12:4) can be a good sign.