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FAQ # 73
QUESTION 73
: According to Romans 11:21-22 we
are the branches of God, grafted in by faith and can be grafted out. In
Romans we read, “For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed
lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity
of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou
continue in his goodness: otherwise thou shalt be cut off.” Isn’t that
loosing salvation?
Notice
the verse above verse 21, “Well because of unbelief they were broken off,
and thou standest by faith” (Rom 11:20).
In
other words, the bases for a born again believer staying save in the kingdom
of God is faith. The chapter on Justification taught nothing else but
faith in justification; or who God says you are. Remember we are saved
by faith and “he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).
The
teaching on justification is not that any non-believing Church person
is saved, that’s paganism. Rather, the teaching on justification is that
a born-again believer continues to believe they are saved based on Christ’s
finish work, regardless of failures, inadequacies, feelings, untruths,
sins, etc. Justification makes it clear to a born-again believer that
he or she can never be condemned for anything no matter what, so he or
she is always accepted and saved as long as he or she believes it; and
Christ gave us his spirit to ensure that faith (Rom 12:3). That’s why
Peter could have said that we “are kept by the power of God through faith
unto salvation” (1 Pet 1:5).
No
wonder doubt is one of the devil’s key tools, by it he causes one to kill
one’s self because he cannot. Remember, “the
fearful, and unbelieving…shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire
and brimstone” (Rev 21:8).
God
recognizes this and through his spirit has kept us from perpetually falling
prey to doubt (Rom 12:3, Jude 1:24, 2 Pet. 2:9).
Before
closing, as I have advised in most of the answers to questions with scripture
quotations, please read the entire chapter to get the full context. Because
the very first verse of this chapter said, “I say then, Hath God cast
away his people? God forbid.”
What
does this suggest? If God had not cast away his servants, how much more
we his children, whom believe.
James also confirms this by stating, “every good gift and every perfect
gift is from above, and cometh down from the father of lights, with whom
is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
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