Thanks for the comments and information.

Yes, I, too, was taught that you can’t lose your salvation. But “backsliding” Christians were a touchy subject — if they were backsliding then their “conversion” was in doubt. Maybe they weren’t sincere. And that was a big part of my dilemma. My life was supposed to shine with the fruits of the spirit. My works were supposed to testify for my faith. But that wasn’t happening. So I doubted my conversion and kept trying again and again.

I wish I had heard your version of “being worthy” when I was young as it would have calmed my soul tremendously. Rereading I Cor 11:27,28 reminds me that I also heard the words “examine yourself” in the ritual before our communion. Perhaps that’s why I spent that time confessing everything. Plus, the later versions talk about people being weak and sick and dead — more fuel for the fear fire. Especially for a young child who didn’t really read for himself but absorbed what he could from words meant for adults. I can see how it would be easy to misinterpret.

Yes, I was taught that people would be saved after the rapture (and thanks for the reference) but had these people heard about Jesus before the rapture? That was the caveat of fear that I can’t back up Biblically but remember hearing. But it almost makes sense because if you can witness the rapture and then believe, it doesn’t take as much faith as believing before the rapture when there is no tangible proof.

My upbringing was similar so I understand what you’re saying with the exception of the fear of losing my salvation. I was taught once saved, always saved, but because of our fleshly nature always battling our spirit man it was good to examine yourself from time to time.

The scripture regarding people who were unworthy in participating in communion is often misquoted. In 1 Cor. 11, Paul is talking about taking communion in an unworthy manner. The word “unworthily” used in the chapter is an adverb that describes the actions of eating and drinking, not the people. People were abusing this sacred remembrance by being gluttonous and getting drunk while others in the congregation were left out altogether because the gluttons and drunkards ate and drank everything up. The manner in which they carried out communion dishonored Christ.

With regards to people getting saved after the rapture, Rev. 20:4 talks about them and states that they will be among those who reign with Christ for 1000 years.