Amendments and Salvation

Tyler walked into the kitchen where his mom was preparing supper. They were going to a special program at church that night, so they would be eating earlier than usual.Mom looked up and smiled. "Hi, Tyler. What have you been doing?""I've been reading," Tyler replied. "I'm learning some pretty cool stuff about the United States.""What kind of stuff?" Mom asked as she began mixing up a salad. Tyler reached for the lettuce and started shredding it. "I found out that once a state approves an amendment to its constitution, it can't change it. I guess the state has to be pretty sure that it agrees with the amendment!""That's interesting," Mom said. "But what's really interesting is that if a state rejects an amendment, it can change its mind later," Tyler added. He sighed. Even though he had been reading all afternoon, he'd been thinking about something else too."What's wrong?" Mom asked, glancing at him over the salad bowl.Tyler sighed again. "I don't really want to go to church tonight. Speakers at programs like that sometimes make me feel like I'm not saved. I worry that when I sin, I've lost my salvation and have to trust Jesus to save me all over again.""Tyler, it doesn't work that way," Mom said gently. "If you have truly placed your faith in Jesus and believe He died for your sins and rose again, then He has saved you, and you'll always be saved.""Really?" asked Tyler. "Yes. It's like what you were talking about with states amending their constitutions. Before a person is saved, they can reject the good news of Jesus over and over again, but God never gives up on them. That person can always change their mind. Once you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, there's nothing that can change it. You'll still sin, but Jesus promises to forgive you when you confess your sins to Him."Tyler thought about that. "But how can I keep from sinning?""Once you're saved, the Holy Spirit lives in you and helps you follow Jesus," said Mom. "But you still have to choose to listen and obey what He says. It isn't always easy, but even when you mess up, God will never let you go." - Julia Kicinski