What can we learn from this? One thing is that the concept of "once saved, always saved" may be compromised, right here and now. We are also told, "13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." (Romans 14:13, ESV) Just our very division on matters such as this may be a stumbling block to some, driving them away from Church and God. There are Scripture passages that argue for and against "once saved, always saved", just about equally. We must insist on the rock solid truths that are summed up quite well in the Apostles Creed. Please note the mention of the holy catholic church and the brief note regarding that. This was actually borrowed from a Protestant church website. Did you know that "catholic" actually means "universal"? "Catholic (from Greek: καθολικός, romanized: katholikos, lit. 'universal') was first used to describe the church in the early 2nd century.[23" This is not specifically the same as the Roman Catholic Church and not an endorsement for or against. Last I checked, my Bible says. "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." (1 Corinthians 1:10, NIV)
The Apostles Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places
John 16:2 actually shows us that the Church will be divided on certain issues, despite it being anti-Biblical to be so, even to the point of murder. Father forgive us, we know not what we do. But we are learning because we love You. Please help us to be the loving, forgiving, encouraging peacemakers that You have called us to be. Please help us to remember that we have common belief in the love, power, and saving grace of Jesus. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.