So often I hear portions of these verses quoted, and integrated, and used to ‘declare’ special vested powers today, or even heavenly gifts today to ‘bind or loose’ in heaven—–which can be then transported to mean ‘to heal’ or even ‘to declare sins forgiven or a person condemned.’ Personally, I do not agree with that. (I do believe we ‘can petition’ or ‘supplicate’ the Lord in prayer, and He hears our prayer as long as it is ‘in His will’ as revealed Scripturally—–but, I do not believe we—-either individually or as a body—-can ‘control Him, or manipulate Him,’ no matter ‘how well-meaning’ our effort seems, nor can we ‘impose our will on Him,’ or declare events with ourselves as the authority.)  Personally, I believe the disciples were given ‘special powers’ here on earth during their establishing the ‘body of Christ’—–the early church. And I do believe some today are given special gifts, but not as broad or as powerful as those given to the original disciples, and in this, I include Paul.

But as I always state, this is to stimulate ‘your own heart and mind’ to search the Scriptures for the truth.

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The positional topic of ‘once saved, always saved’ versus those who believe one can ‘be saved’ and then, ‘lose their salvation’ is ongoing – and I have written a lot on this because I feel it is such a ‘hurtful and insecure position’ to believe our Father in Heaven who ‘gave His all’ by having His Son die on a cross for our sins in order to provide the way of redemption and reconciliation forever for each of us who embraces the gospel of Christ — would then ‘place such a landmine of insecurity and fear of loss’ thus again placing us ‘in bondage’ instead of liberty – and now I’m answering questions raised by certain scriptures that to some, seemingly indicate ‘loss of salvation.’

This study: Hebrews 10:35-39; Hebrews 6:4-6; 2 Peter 2:17-22; and Rev. 22:19 comments as to them showing ‘loss of one’s salvation in Christ.’ Again, I believe ‘once saved, always saved.’ So, the only thing one must consider is if one is ‘truly saved’ – and in their heart they know that – or can certainly ascertain it.

This is a long and detailed presentation – and may not give you ‘clear answers’ – but will give you much to consider. Like all ‘nuggets of great value’ it often takes some ‘real mining’ to ‘dig them up.’ To expect ‘brevity’ on this – or by me – is truly not realistic – so if you don’t have the time to pursue this, that is ok.

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So it is with faith. Faith does not save a person. Everybody has expressed faith at some point or another. Yet not everyone will spend eternity in heaven. God’s grace is what saves us. Our faith, however, is the thing that bridges the gap between our need and God’s provision; specifically, it is a point in time at which the expression of faith in Christ brings God’s provision together with our need. Once we believe, we are saved.
In the same way, in all probability, a Christian who has expressed faith in Christ and experienced forgiveness of sin will always believe that forgiveness is found through Christ. But even if he does not, the fact remains that he is forgiven!

But a man or woman who has been rescued once from a state of unforgiveness need not worry. For once 100 percent of a man’s or woman’s sins have been forgiven, the potential for being unforgiven has been done away with. The risk factor is zero. There are no more fires from which the believer needs to be saved.

Then, how could one ‘who is truly saved’ ever lose their salvation in Christ?

This does NOT say that ‘divine election’ dulls human responsibility — our choices have consequences here on earth. We live the consequences of those choices — just as King David did in relation to Bathsheba and the murder of her husband.