Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
In describing stage one, he says, “If we die immediately after being saved, we would go straight to paradise,” yet also insists “our future sins are not pre-forgiven”; how should this shape a church’s approach to confession, discipline, and restoring believers who fall into serious sin after baptism?
Another way to ask: If past sins are washed away but future sins are not already forgiven, how should a church handle confession and church discipline after baptism? How should the church help restore someone who falls into serious sin later?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests a church should treat baptismal salvation as real and complete forgiveness of the past, but also treat post-baptism sin as serious because believers can “walk away” and must be restored through repentance rather than excused. Discipline and restoration should aim to bring people back to “abiding” obedience, not to deny grace or pretend future rebellion is harmless.
- Stage one reality: “All of our past sins are washed away… If we die immediately after being saved, we would go straight to paradise.”
- Yet: “The journey is not over… Our future sins are not pre-forgiven.”
- He teaches real danger: “We can walk away from the salvation we’ve received… jump back out… serve Satan again.”
- He distinguishes weakness from rebellion: “I may… fall short. And if I repent of that, it’ll be forgiven. But if I just decide, no, I’m not going to obey… there’s nothing… to indicate that… is going to be forgiven.”
- He stresses continued abiding: “maintaining an obedient love, faith relationship with Christ.”
- He uses John 15: branches “in me” can be “taken away” if they don’t bear fruit.