I've been thinking a lot about this issue lately, trying to dig a little deeper into the idea of what it means to turn your back on a relationship with God. I have a friend who's life is mired in sin but seems to be moving closer and closer to God as they wrestle with this sin in their life. What amazes me is the fact that others have spent time trying to figure out if this preson has "lost their salvation". I find it fascinating when people are willing to decide on behalf of another whether or not someone fits into the bucked of being "Saved" or not. I see people take scripture out of context to build their case and justify those conversations, but I'm really not sure to what end. Does it make them feel more secure about your own position with God or that maybe he loves them more than the other sinner? Does it change how much you should love the person at that point? My guess is that God has a pretty good handle on it already.

I stole this Marty Luther quote from Noel's blog. From A Cognizant Discourse:

God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world. We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides. We, however, says Peter (2. Peter 3:13) are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will reign. It suffices that through God's glory we have recognized the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. No sin can separate us from Him, even if we were to kill or commit adultery thousands of times each day. Do you think such an exalted Lamb paid merely a small price with a meager sacrifice for our sins? Pray hard for you are quite a sinner.

-Martin Luther