The call to salvation is a call to a transformed and growing life. While salvation is a secure gift of God's grace received through faith in Christ, the New Testament consistently warns believers against the dangers of both spiritual infancy and complacent maturity. New believers are encouraged to grow beyond a "milk"-based faith to solid food, building a foundation that can withstand trials (Hebrews 5:12-14; Matthew 7:24-27). Conversely, those mature in the faith are cautioned against pride and deception, being called to steadfast vigilance (1 Corinthians 10:12; Matthew 24:24). Ultimately, genuine faith is evidenced by perseverance, as those who truly belong to Christ will continue in Him, bearing fruit and being transformed into His likeness (John 15:1-6; Philippians 1:6).

Important

  1. Maturity vs. Salvation: Don’t conflate spiritual maturity with salvation itself, suggesting that only the mature are "likely to be saved," which contradicts the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).

  2. Lukewarm Definition: Don't incorrectly define a long-time believer who isn't a "baby" as "lukewarm." A long-time believer should be maturing, but stagnation is not automatically lukewarmness (which is a state of apathy or hypocrisy, as in Revelation 3:16).

  3. The Thief on the Cross: Don't use the thief on the cross as a standard example, for he is the exception that proves the rule of God's extraordinary mercy, not a model for the typical Christian journey, which involves growth.