Whosoever in John 3:16.

[Leatherneck0311]

Not a problem as far as I’m concerned…I think the subject is applicable.
John MacArthur on the subject:
Contemporary theologians have fabricated an entire category for this type of person – the “carnal Christian.” Who knows how many unregenerate persons have been lulled into a false sense of spiritual security by the suggestion that they are merely carnal? Christians can and do behave in carnal ways, but nothing in Scripture suggests that a real Christian might pursue a life-style of unbroken indifference or antagonism toward the things of God. Christians do not masquerade as children of the devil. The very reverse is true; Satan pretends to be an angel of light, and his servants imitate the children of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

Exactly amen.

 

[Leatherneck0311]

View attachment 3189

1Pe 1:2 - Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

 

[ALAYMAN]

I would think that the parable of the Prodigal Son would be sufficient enough to prove that backsliding is possible. The son is already a son...he leaves his father and squanders his life, money, and liberty in riotous living, comes to himself realizing that in his father's service, not even as a son, he would have far better, and returns, being graciously received by his father. Some try to say that this is about salvation....I don't see it that way, and it doesn't seem to be that teaching hermeneutically. One can't be a son without being a part of the family. I believe this also teaches clearly against the "Lordship" salvation theory that so many try to espouse.

Though I agree with your take and it's applicability, many folk are (sometimes rightly) drawing too much doctrinal dogma from parables.

 

[AverageJoe]

Though I agree with your take and it's applicability, many folk are (sometimes rightly) drawing too much doctrinal dogma from parables.

Apparently, Jesus didn't have a problem with parables affecting doctrine. I try not to be dogmatic about it, but, I can see how many do this.

 

[AverageJoe]

Obviosly backsliding is real. It's all over the Bible. Peter is case in point. But to live in a constant staate of carnality is contra Philippians 1:6, and a host of other passsages.

The Bible doesn't give any specific length of time one can be backslidden. It does, however, tell people who depart not to despise the chastening of the Lord.