The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 70-23, titled "Questions and Answers--Part 51." A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE. Copyright 2001 by John MacArthur Jr., All Rights Reserved.
Question
I was taught before, when I used to go to a different church, that once you become a born again--once you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you can never lose your salvation. But it seems like, after listening to all your preaching, that being a Christian is not just saving by grace; you have to constantly work hard to be a Christian, to obey. So that means a Christian could still go to hell?
Answer
No. No. They were right at your other church. Once you become born again,
that’s it forever. We’re not talking about working hard to be a Christian; we’re
talking about working hard to honor God as a Christian. I mean, just a simple
analogy: if I’m born into a family, I don’t have to work to be a son. I’m a son!
But, my parents would like me to be a good one, a useful one, a helpful one, a
respectful one, an honoring one, and that’s what we’re talking about. We’re
talking about living your Christian life to the glory and honor of God and to
your own blessing and eternal reward.
Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and
Answers" by:
Tony Capoccia
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