Dear Brethren,

I am sending out this question for your careful consideration and prayerful insight. The answer I am looking for is not a "majority vote" but a question of reason in search of truth. I will first pose the question, then note brief references in favor of the two opinions in question, and finally summarize the claim of the two major view points being considered. I will attempt to be as brief as possible. Your time, patience, prayer and objective response would be greatly appreciated.

In our Master's Service,

Don Gudeman

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Question: Are all of our past, present and future sins forgiven at the time of salvation or must we continually return to Christ and beg His forgiveness again each time we sin? What are the consequences of each position?

Arguments: 1. "All our past, present and future sins are forgiven at the time of salvation."

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" - Ephesians 1:7 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" - Colossians 1:14 "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;" - Colossians 2:13

2. "We are forgiven all past and present sins at the time of salvation, but we must continually return to Christ and beg His forgiveness for each sin thereafter."

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matthew 6:14-15

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - I John 1:9

Summary: Forgiveness is a vital part of the salvation experience. Some people claim that all their sins (past, present and future) were forgiven at the time of their acceptance of Christ as their personal Savior. These people claim that all that remains is their confession and repentance of their sin in order to maintain fellowship with God. They hold to the peace that if they should pass into eternity without warning, they will stand before God with all sin forgiven. Those that hold this view also hold to the concept of "once saved, always saved", otherwise referred to as "eternally secure."

Forgiveness is a vital part of our relationship with God. Some people claim that all their past and present sins were forgiven at the time of their acceptance of Christ as their personal Savior. These people claim that they must continually go before the throne of God and beg His forgiveness each time they sin. Those that hold this view are split in the area of eternal security with some holding that unforgiven sin does not keep one out of Heaven while others hold to the view that if one should die with unforgiven sin, they will have lost their salvation since sin cannot dwell in the presence of God.

* * * * * Please include scripture references along with the defense of your explanation. References to authors and other books will be accepted for further research. Feel free to forward this message to other Believers who you feel might have a valuable insight regarding this topic.

If you would like to read the response of others after I have completed my research regarding this topic, please include a brief note to this regard at the end of your reply.

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" - 1 Peter 3:15

-- Don Gudeman (gudeman4@juno.com), May 23, 2000