[DannyTN]

And somewhere in the new testament it talks about some people who left the church as proof that they "were never" one of us.

In other words, a true believer, someone who put their trust in Jesus, doesn't need to be scared that someday they will lose their faith. It can't happen.

Scripture also talks about a carnal christian whose works are burned yet he is saved though as a man running from a house on fire.

[pastorbillrandles]

Good point Danny, you are referring to I john 2:18-19 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

Perhaps we can say that that is the mark of a true believer, they will never stop believing in Him. The worst problem we have these days is people falsely converted, and given false assurance by an inadequate preaching of the gospel. That is the reason for teachings such as mine on John 3. Thanks for the comments

[Dutchboy88]

I agree with DannyTN on this matter...and perhaps go beyond what he agrees with on the matter you addressed. Jesus clearly sets out (John 6), if you are in God’s crosshairs, you cannot resist His rescue of your soul. Nor will you want to.

And, if we are rescued “forever”, this must mean “forever”. Those leaving were never born from above, but were “wanna bes” unknown to Jesus.