When we focus on the first question, it might presuppose something troubling about us. Are we wondering how much we can “get away with” in the world before endangering our salvation? Is such an attitude pleasing to the Lord? Is this the kind of believer He will welcome into His Kingdom?
Many faith-based books have been written on the subject whether or not it is possible to lose one’s salvation, and if so, what are the conditions. Since eternal life should be by far the most important goal for a born-again follower of Jesus Christ, the subject is obviously important.
Yet when we pose such a question, it might presuppose something troubling about the believer. Is the believer wondering how much he or she can “get away with” in the world before endangering their salvation? If we know the precise point where we can fall away, then in our personal lives we will try to avoid behavior and actions that might bring us dangerously close to that point.
Is such an attitude pleasing to the Lord? Is this the kind of believer He will welcome into His Kingdom? It is likely not.
The believer who is welcomed into the Kingdom is the one who loves the Lord and has obeyed Him with all his heart—and subsequently has produced much actual fruit for Him in this life. We see this in the two parables taught by Jesus regarding eternal reward for His servants in His Kingdom.
Luke 19:16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’
Matthew 25:21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
According to these parables, those who are welcomed into the Kingdom of God are those who have served him with their eyes focused on the reward they will receive before the Judgement Seat of Christ—their reward based on what they have produced for their Lord during their time on earth in loving obedience to His commands. Their motivation is clear.
How might the Lord feel about those believers whose motivation in life is “how much they can get away with on earth” without endangering their salvation? This kind of motivation can be a result of teaching in which the gospel of grace has been turned into a license to sin.
Are these the kind of disciples the Lord is looking for to reign with Him in His coming glorious Kingdom?
Eternal reward in the next age