If one could lose the salvation they didn't earn in the first place, then their own good deeds would be keeping them saved. But that doesn't work because Christ had to die for us to gain salvation by grace. The shedding of man's own blood could not save a man, then how could just being better save him. It was required that the shedding of blood by the Perfect Lamb, Who was without spot or blemish atone for sin! How then could mere obedience save a man who was imperfect and could not save himself?
It is obvious that a man cannot save himself or even keep himself saved. It is all the work of Christ in the initial saving and the keeping until He comes for us.
Pride drives those who believe they can be good to keep a salvation they couldn't earn. They must have the sense that they are "doing well" and "better than others" to feed their illusion that they are working to keep what they did not earn.
May many who believe they are keeping their salvation ask God to open their eyes to truth. May they realize that they have no part in their own salvation, to get or to keep it.
Ephesians 2:10
"10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:8-9 " 8 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.…"
If you exist to diminish the real you in order to make people like you and treat you special, it is best to "do nothing, be nothing and say nothing."
If you exist to please God and live in His freedom from the mandates of worldly minds, then you will be your authentic self, growing and blooming more every year.
Praise God He is the source of our validation, no man, no woman, no expectations of others will be that source.
When Christ is our focus, it matters little what others expect of us, His principles are enough, they are fulfilling while bringing joy to our soul no matter what is going on around us.
When Christ is our guide, our attitude toward our fellow man will be right too.
Philippians 4:6-9
"6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Meditate on These Things
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."
