I’m Perplexed

I’m writing because I’ve been rather perplexed for quite some time over the issue of those who profess Christ as Savior yet have behavior which is very inconsistent with one who has the Holy Spirit inside them. Is it possible to claim Jesus as Savior but not be saved?

Q. I’m writing because I’ve been rather perplexed for quite some time over the issue of those who profess Christ as Savior yet have behavior which is very inconsistent with one who has the Holy Spirit inside them.

I’m certainly not standing in judgment because I too am a wretched sinner, but I see over and over in the church those who have “called on the name of the Lord” but show little evidence of the power and influence of the Spirit. Is it possible to claim Jesus as Savior but not be saved?

I see in 2 Peter 2:1 that there are false prophets/teachers who deny the Lord Who bought them.

I so appreciate your insight and ministry. May you be richly blessed.

A. People can say anything, especially in the passion of the moment, and unfortunately there seem to be many who call themselves Christian whose lives haven’t changed to any noticeable degree. Were they sincere when they professed their belief? Only the Lord knows. But thankfully He does know so we don’t have to worry about them. He will bring to light the hidden motives of men’s hearts. Therefore we should judge nothing before the appointed time. (1 Cor. 4:5)

If you read John 3:16 carefully, you’ll see that Jesus died for everyone. It’s just that many won’t accept it. So yes, 2 Peter 2:1 means what it says about false teachers. His death could pardon them if they’d allow it. Instead they spread false doctrine and in the process not only don’t save themselves, they lead others away, too. The destiny Peter describes for them is not pleasant.