Once saved always saved?

I often struggle with this question. I find it hard to understand how self professing Christians act, and do the same things that non-Christians do. I feel I am being judgemental, and I guess I am but......my heart is burdened for them. If one truly believes that what the bible says is true we should want to make sure others KNOW the truth.

I think for the most part, people as a whole, want to believe in God and that Jesus died on the cross to save the world from sin. BUT, the following verse shows that following Jesus is not easy. Matthew 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." It's just human nature to go the easy route, but that leads to destruction.

I listened to a sermon last week by David Platt that I found very interesting. It really got me thinking about the above question. I think many are being deceived that all you have to do is say a prayer, ask for forgiveness, and walk down the aisle and that's it, you're done. That is just the beginning. You are born again at the point and the holy spirit dwells in you. Your eyes are opened. I will list some of the notes from the sermon. We can profess publicly what we do not possess personally. Is is possible that one could walk down the aisle and say the right things without REALLY having it? Walking down the aisle itself will not save you.

The way of Christ is always fruitful. James 2:26 "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." I firmly believe that others should see that you are different from "the world" you shouldn't have to tell them you are different, it should show.

The way of Christ is always faithful. Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven." Being obedient to God is key.

We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. One must repent. I looked up the definition and this is what it said: Repentance is not merely a change of mind but a radical change in one's life as a whole that especially involves forsaking sin and turning or returning to God. Make a RADICAL change.....we don't keep on doing the same thing. Luke 13:5 "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." That is pretty powerful once you come to a clear understanding of what repentance means.

I really feel like the gospel has been watered down as to not offend anyone. We can't twist and turn God's word to make it say what we want it to say. Sometimes the truth hurts. Once we realize that we have to give up the ways of the world in order to keep what we can't afford to lose (eternal life) it is all worth it.