I do not believe in the doctrine of eternal security. Yet I do believe that as long as a child of God desires to be saved, he or she can certainly remain so.
For as long as we abide in Jesus Christ of Nazareth, our salvation is eternally secure. Nevertheless, Satan has assigned a religious demon to each and every one of the elect of God, with two primary assignments: Either to cause us to lose our salvation or to destroy our flesh. Consider the fornicator in Corinth. Paul warned that unless this man repented of his sin, he would be turned over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that the man would not LOSE his salvation. This warning suggests to me that sins of the flesh can cause the saved to become unsaved. Rather than see that happen, God apparently has an agreement with the devil that un-repented sinners are in his hands and quite frankly, that Satan can kill them as a means to protect their eternal life.
So where it comes to trying the spirits in your own life, it is important that you know that Satan is after either your salvation or permission from God to kill you. Certainly the devil would prefer that you lose your salvation but I suspect that he will settle with the opportunity to kill you before your appointed time. This is the reality.
In order not to depart from the faith by giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of religious devils, it behooves us to know the enemy. All else is wishful thinking and downright foolishness. Without a doubt, we have an Advocate with the Father who serves as both Intercessor and as Mediator. As our heavenly lawyer, He stacks our case with grace and mercy. Yet Jesus needs us to provide Him with a victorious defense. Therefore, learning about the tricks, schemes, wiles and overall agenda of the enemy cannot be done if we concentrate on God alone.
This was the lesson of Job. He was afraid of evil and consequently he wrongfully assumed that ignoring Satan by focusing solely on God would keep him safe. Most assuredly, the enemy cannot stop God from saving us. However, once we have been born again, the enemy has the right to attempt to sift us like wheat and thereby hinder our spiritual growth and render our works as wood, hay and stubble. If or when we enter the kingdom, it is as by the fires of a very narrow escape.
So it is crucial to always keep at the forefront of your mind the knowledge that you are in an invisible war. You are either an overcomer or a captive. There is no middle ground. You are either a victor or a prisoner of war. The manner in which you try the spirits is the essential factor in your plan to first of all, “stay saved” and secondly to “not be turned over to Satan for the destruction of YOUR flesh.” Jesus Christ of Nazareth must remain the Vine. We are the branches. If we abide in Him, we bring forth much fruit. If we don’t, then we are cast forth as a withered branch and we “are burned.” (John 15 1-12.)
If you have left or if you are considering leaving the church, then you might want to consider allowing Pam Sheppard ministries to equip and prepare you for such a time as this. If so, give us a call at 518-477-5759.
Spiritual Warfare Library of PSM 