Eternal Security – Genuinely Saved, Always Saved!
Genuinely Saved, Always Saved!
A Believer is Eternally Secure!
Is there a true and false version of Eternal Security? Yes there is.
1) Was the person saved to start off with? If not then no he is not secure in anything. He can however be sure he is going to hell.
2) The other revolves solely around being saved/born again and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believers’ life because:
God has given me eternal salvation as a free gift in Jesus Christ, and it is His will that I obey Him, not in order to save myself or in order to help God save me, but BECAUSE I am already saved. It is God who provides the complete salvation. Obedience, holy living is the evidence of salvation. The Christian life is a miracle of God that is wrought from within. The power of the Christian life is the indwelling Holy Spirit, but the Christian is not passive. He is to be controlled by the Spirit (Eph. 5:18), to be led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14), to walk after the Spirit (Rom. 8:4; Gal. 6:25), to mind the things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5). [Emphasis added] — Quoted from David Clouds article below
ETERNAL SECURITY
Note: Permission received to publish this article in full. Thank you David Cloud © 2008 Way of Life Literature – http://www.wayoflife.org
The following study is from the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity, copyright © 1994:
ETERNAL SECURITY AND PROBLEM PASSAGES
Eternal security is the Bible confidence that every born again believer has perfect, complete, eternal salvation in Jesus Christ. As soon as a sinner receives Christ, he possesses full, unending salvation. To have Christ is to have a secure position before God (1 Jn. 5:10-13). Though the Bible does not use the term “security” to describe the believer’s relationship in Christ, it leaves no doubt that the child of God is eternally safe in Christ. Eternal security refers only to those who are born again through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It does not refer to hypocrites or to those who are merely dabbling in the things of Christ. Those who permanently fall away have never been born again.
How the book of Hebrews teaches eternal security?
Some think the book of Hebrews poses unanswerable problems for the doctrine of eternal security, but the opposite is true. In the following ways the book of Hebrews strongly affirms this Bible doctrine:
Conclusion
I do not profess to be able to answer every question which can be raised on this subject. No man can. Eternal security, though, is a Bible doctrine that has satisfied and blessed my heart for 29 years. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
HOW WE CAN BE SURE TRUE CHRISTIANS ARE ETERNALLY SECURE.
1. Because of the terms used to describe salvation. eternal life (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 5:11); all assurance (He. 6:11; Col. 2:2); strong consolation (He. 6:18); “hope … sure and stedfast” (He. 6:19).
2. Because of what we are. All of the following are spoken of in the present tense; this is the present condition of each true believer: (1) Forgiven (Ro. 4:7; 1 Jn. 2:12). (2) Justified (Ro. 5:1,9; Tit. 3:7). (3) Reconciled (Ro. 5:10). (4) Risen with Christ (Ro. 6:3-6; Col. 3:1,2). (5) A child of God forever (Ro. 8:15; Ga. 4:4-7; 1 Jn. 3:1). (6) Sanctified in Christ (1 Co. 1:2). (7) New creation (2 Co. 5:17). (8) Accepted in the beloved (Ep. 1:6). (9) Saved (Ep. 2:8,9; 2 Ti. 1:9). (10) Light in the Lord (Ep. 5:8). (11) Made fit for Heaven (Col. 1:12). (12) Complete in Him (Col. 2:10). (13) Citizens of Heaven (Ph. 3:20). (14) Children of light (1 Th. 5:5). (15) Elect (1 Pe. 1:2). (16) Born again (1 Pe. 1:2,23). (17) Sanctified once for all (He. 10:10). (18) Perfected forever (He. 10:14). (19) Passed from death unto life (1 Jn. 3:14).
3. Because of where we are. (1) In God’s family (Ga. 3:26; 1 Jn. 3:2). (2) Brought near (Ep. 2:13). (3) In the heavenlies with Christ (Ep. 2:5-6). (4) Translated into the kingdom of His dear Son (Col. 1:13).
4. Because of what we have. (1) Eternal life (Jn. 3:16). (2) Peace with God (Ro. 5:1). (3) An Intercessor in Heaven (Ro. 8:34). (4) All spiritual blessings (Ep. 1:3). (5) Forgiveness of sins (Ep. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 2:13). (6) Sealing of the Holy Spirit (Ep. 1:12-14). (7) Access to God (Ep. 2:18). (8) Everlasting consolation (2 Th. 2:16). (9) Eternal glory (2 Ti. 2:10). (10) Eternal redemption (He. 9:12). (11) Mercy (1 Pe. 2:10). (12) An Advocate with the Father (1 Jn. 2:1-2).
5. Because of what is past. (1) Condemnation (Jn. 5:24). (2) The law of sin and death (Ro. 8:2). (3) Death and wrath (Col. 3:3; Ro. 6:11; 1 Th. 5:9). (4) Night and darkness (1 Th. 5:5).
6. Because of our promises. (1) Never perish (Jn. 10:27-28). (2) Shall never die (Jn. 11:26). (3) The glory of God (Ro. 5:2). This speaks of Christ’s kingdom glory. (4) Shall be saved from wrath (Ro. 5:9). (5) Glorious liberty of the children of God (Ro. 8:21). (6) Redemption of the body (Ro. 8:23-24; Ph. 3:21). (7) Predestinated to be conformed to the image of Christ (Ro. 8:28-29). (8) Cannot be separated from God’s love (Ro. 8:31-39). (9) God shall confirm you unto the end (1 Co. 1:8). (10) He that hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Ph. 1:6). (11) Shall appear with Christ in glory (Col. 3:3-4). (12) Delivered from the wrath to come (1 Th. 1:10). (13) Not appointed to wrath but to salvation (1 Th. 5:9). (14) Eternal inheritance (He. 9:15). (15) Incorruptible inheritance (1 Pe. 1:4).
HOW DO WE KNOW THESE BLESSINGS CANNOT BE LOST?
1. The blessings of salvation cannot be lost because of the nature of salvation: (1) Salvation is eternal (Jn. 3:16,36). (2) Salvation is a present possession (Ro. 5; 1 Pe. 2:24-25). (3) Salvation is by imputation and substitution (2 Co. 5:17; Ga. 2:20; He. 9:10; Ro. 3:24). (4) Salvation is positional (Ep. 1:3 — “in Christ”; Ro. 6:7; Col. 2:10; 3:1-4,12). (5) Salvation is not of human merit; it is a free gift of grace which cannot be mixed with works (Ep. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:3-7; Ro. 3:19-28; 4:4-5; 11:6).
2. The blessings of salvation cannot be lost because of the results of salvation: (1) Eternal life (Jn. 3:16). (2) Justification (Ro. 5:1; 3:19-28). (3) Peace with God (Ro. 5:1). (4) Sure possession of future glory (Ro. 5:2; Col. 3:1-4). (5) Salvation from future wrath (Ro. 5:9). (6) Raised up with Christ (Ro. 6). (7) Blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ep. 1:3). (8) Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ep. 4:30). (9) Passed from darkness to light (Col. 1:12-14).
3. The blessings of salvation cannot be lost because of the teaching of election: Election does not destroy human responsibility (2 Th. 2:10-13; Ac. 13:46,48), but election does promise security for the believer (Ro. 8:28-39; Ep. 1; 1 Pe. 1:2-7).
4. The blessings of salvation cannot be lost because lack of good works involves loss of rewards and fruitfulness, not loss of one’s eternal relationship with Christ (1 Co. 3:15; Tit. 3:14; 2 Jn. 8).
5. The blessings of salvation cannot be lost because of the believer’s union with Christ. The believing sinner is placed “in Christ” and stands or falls with Him (Col. 1:14; Eph. 1-3 — “in Christ” mentioned 25 times; He. 9:10; 1 Pe. 1:18-23; 2:6,24-25).
DOES ETERNAL SECURITY MEAN ANYONE WHO PROFESSES CHRIST IS SAVED, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY GIVE EVIDENCE OF GENUINE FAITH?
1. No, salvation demands repentance (Lk. 13:3-5; Ac. 2:38-42; 17:30-31). Repentance means a change of mind resulting in a change of life (2 Co. 7:8-11). The person who has never changed his mind about God, sin, Christ, the Bible, etc., and who has never evidenced this changed mind with a changed life, has never repented and has never been saved. The Thessalonian believers exemplify biblical repentance. They “turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9-10).
2. No, salvation requires the new birth, and the new birth always changes a man’s life (2 Co. 5:17-21; Mt. 18:3-4; Jn. 3:1-18; 1 Jn. 3:10; 3 Jn. 11).
3. No, salvation is evidenced by perseverance (Jn. 10:27-28; Col. 1:21-23; He. 3:12-14; 10:38-39; 1 Jn. 2:19; 3:3). According to these Scriptures, the one who is truly born again will persevere in Christ; or it could be better stated that Christ will persevere in him!
4. No, saving faith always produces works (Eph. 2:8-10; He. 11:4, 7, 8; Jam. 2:14-26). If one claims to have faith in Christ, but his life does not reflect the works of Christ, that one does not have biblical faith. A fruitless profession of fruit cannot lay claim to God’s promises of eternal security.
DOES ETERNAL SECURITY CAUSE PEOPLE TO LIVE CARELESSLY?
Eternal security does not cause people to live carelessly. The very opposite is true. The Bible teaches that the grace of God actually motivates believers to serve God with a thankful heart (Ro. 2:4; Ep. 3:14-19; Tit. 2:11-14). The more a believer understands the unfathomable love God has for him in Christ, the more he wants to please God.
WHO HAS ETERNAL SECURITY?
It is important to further emphasize the fact that the doctrine of eternal security does not promise safety for anyone who merely professes Christ. In the following study we see that the Bible connects eternal security only with the true believer, the one who has been born again, and differentiates him with the mere professor. Who has eternal security —
(1) Those who continue in the word (Jn. 8:31,32). (2) Those who follow Christ (Jn. 10:27-28). (3) Those who bring forth fruit (Jn. 15:2; Lk. 3:9). (4) Those who are led by the Spirit of God (Ro. 8:14-15). (5) Those who have been born again (2 Co. 5:17; Ep. 2:10; Ga. 6:15). (6) Those who are sanctified from an unrighteous way of life (1 Co. 6:9-11). (7) Those who have demonstrated their election (1 Th. 1:4-10). (8) Those who depart from iniquity (2 Ti. 2:19). (9) Those who maintain their confidence in Christ (He. 3:14). (10) Those who have an undivided, convinced faith (He. 4:10,11). (11) Those who evidence the “things that accompany salvation” (He. 6:9-12). (12) Those who are looking for Christ’s return (He. 9:28). (13) Those who remain patient and steadfast in tribulations (He. 10:35-39). (14) Those who are in the truth and continue in the truth (1 Jn. 2:19-21; 2 Jn. 1-2). (15) Those who are purifying themselves (1 Jn. 3:1-3). (16) Those who love the brethren (1 Jn. 3:14).
WHO DOES NOT HAVE ETERNAL SECURITY?
(1) Those who profess but do not repent(Lk. 3:7-14; Acts 26:20). (2) Those who have mere intellectual assent (Jn. 2:23-25; Jam 2:17-20). (3) Those who have self-willed faith, only believing what they want to believe rather than the testimony of the Scriptures (Jn. 6:60-66). (4) Those who have religious zeal apart from the gospel (Ro. 10:1-4).
IF THE DISOBEDIENT CHRISTIAN DOES NOT LOSE HIS SALVATION, WHAT DOES HAPPEN TO HIM?
(1) The sinning Christian is out of fellowship with the Lord and his people (1 Jn. 1:3-7).
(2) The sinning Christian is helped and loved by the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 2:1-2).
(3) The sinning Christian is chastened by the Father (He. 12:5-11).
(4) The sinning Christian loses irreplaceable opportunities for service and fruit(Ep. 5:14-17; Mt. 9:36-38; 1 Th. 5:4-10). The sinning Christian can be forgiven, but he cannot regain the lost opportunities and the hurt he has caused by his sin.
(5) The sinning Christian will suffer loss at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Co. 3:11-15; 2 Co. 5:10; 1 Ti. 6:17-19; 1 Jn. 2:28).
ETERNAL SECURITY AND PROBLEM PASSAGES
The following introductory comments offer a background for dealing with the “problem passages.”
First, the few passages which present apparent problems with the doctrine of eternal security must be interpreted carefully in light of the context. It is a fact that the New Testament promises eternal security to the true believer. I do not believe God would have given so much plain and simple teaching on the eternal nature of salvation only to overthrow it with a couple of relatively obscure passages. We interpret the less clear passages in light of those which are crystal clear. This is a working principle which I believe is honoring to the Word of God, and it is the proper way to handle it. False teachers, on the other hand, delight in using the more obscure portions of Scripture to overthrow the plain. To interpret any of the passages you mentioned as saying that a born again child of God can lose his salvation flies in the face of hundreds of clear passages of Scripture. When the context of a Bible passage is plainly directed to the subject of salvation, there is never a question about the security of the believer.
Second, a key problem in this matter is reading the doctrine of insecurity into various passages. This is called eisegesis (reading into the Scriptures), as contrasted with the proper method of exegesis (interpreting out of the Scriptures). Most passages which are put forth to support the idea that salvation can be lost have absolutely nothing to do with such a thing if approached without preconceived ideas.
Third, many who teach eternal security do so in an unbiblical manner. To fail to emphasize the necessity of repentance, to fail to warn the casual “professor” that profession is not the same as possession, to comfort and impart security to a professor who has no evidence of regeneration is to do injustice to the biblical doctrine of eternal security. The Bible frequently warns about the possibility of appearing to be saved while actually being lost, about coming close to salvation without actually being saved. Those of us who teach eternal security must not ignore the solemn charges of the Word of God such as John 8:47 and 1 John 3:10.
An example is the soul winner who leads an unbeliever in a sinner’s prayer after a short presentation of the “Roman’s Road,” then gives him assurance right then and there, before there has been any evidence that the person is genuinely born again.
Now to some of the passages most frequently used to undermine eternal security:
MATTHEW 7:21. This has nothing to do with a believer losing his salvation. To do the will of the Father is certainly not the way to Heaven. It is the evidence of genuine faith in Christ; it is the proof of regeneration.
MATTHEW 8:11-12. The “children of the kingdom” here are the Jews in the nation Israel. One of the key teachings of the Gospels is the rejection of Jesus Christ by His own people, the Jews. Time and again Christ warns and rebukes the Jews and their leaders, but most of them reject him. The first half of Matthew, in particular, documents this fearful situation.
MATTHEW 25:1-13. The parable of the ten virgins is given in the context of Christ’s coming and of the establishment of the kingdom of God in Israel (see Matt. 25:31-34). The foolish virgins are not true believers but are unbelievers who knew about Christ’s return but did not act on it. (1) They didn’t have any oil (vv. 3,4), but the oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. (2) They wait until it is too late to obtain salvation (v. 9). In light of everything the New Testament promises to the child of God, the foolish virgins MUST be those who are unsaved. To interpret this otherwise is to throw multitudes of clear Scriptures into confusion.
MATTHEW 25:14-30. (1) The man’s concept of the Lord shows that he is a lost man. He considered the Lord “an hard man” who reaped where He had not sown. It is obvious that he did not know the blessed Lord Jesus Christ! The Lord is exactly the opposite of how this man described Him. He is gracious and merciful and patient and meek and lowly in heart; He gives us MUCH more than we deserve. The fact that this man is called a servant does not mean necessarily that he is saved. The Jews are called the Lord’s servants, but they were not all saved (Is. 43:10). (2) The man’s destiny also shows that he is a lost man. He is cast into outer darkness, which is a description of hell (2 Peter 2:17; Jude 13). Nowhere in Scripture is a child of God said to be in outer darkness. The Bible says believers are children of light and are not of darkness (1 Thess. 5:5). (3) Further, the weeping and gnashing of teeth are associated with eternal damnation and Hell (Matt. 13:42,50; 22:13; 24:51; Luke 13:28). It is not wise to establish doctrine upon parables. The parables have one central point, and if you try to push every detail of the parable you can have all sorts of doctrinal problems.
JOHN 15:6. This passage does not say that a true believer will be cast into Hell; it says that the person who proves not to be a true believer will be cast into Hell. Those who teach that this applies to a true believer read that interpretation into it. The rest of John’s Gospel makes this matter very plain. Consider John 1:12,13; 3:14-18,36; 4:14; 5:25; 6:37,40,47; 10:27-30; 11:25; 17:2,3; 20:31. Whatever, therefore, the meaning of John 15:6 in reference to the child of God, it CANNOT mean that the true believer will be rejected and cast into Hell. That would make the promises of Jesus Christ to the believer into a lie. Christ is referring here to the difference between sincere and insincere, true and false believers. He mentions such a thing in other passages in John’s Gospel. Consider John 2:23-25 and 6:64. John 15 is a warning that the evidence of true faith in Christ is to bear fruit for His glory.
ROMANS 11:19-23. Consider the context: Paul is not addressing the subject of personal salvation. He is addressing the matter of the Jews and their place in the program of God. Paul is speaking in a general sense of Gentiles and of the Jewish nation. Today God has turned temporarily from the Jews and is calling a people for His name from among the Gentile nations. The day will come when God will again turn to the Jewish nation to fulfill His promises to them. Verses 24-26 make this plain. Paul is speaking in a general sense, not in a personal sense. A careful reading of this chapter illustrates this.
1 CORINTHIANS 9:27. The context here is not Paul’s salvation, but his Christian service. Paul was concerned that he would be castaway in the sense that he would be put on a shelf in this life or that his service would be rejected or disapproved at the judgment seat of Christ. The same Greek word is translated “rejected.” Paul was not afraid that he would be lost. In the same epistle he taught that Christ preserves the believer (1:7-9). What he feared was falling short of God’s high calling for his life. The context makes this plain. He is talking about running a race and winning a prize. To confuse this passage with salvation is to misunderstand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Salvation is not a reward for faithful service. The Bible plainly states that salvation is by grace, and grace is the free, unmerited mercy of God (Eph. 2:8-9). Anything that is merited or rewarded, is not grace (Romans 11:6). On the other hand, after we are saved by the marvelous grace of God, we are called to serve Jesus Christ. We are created in Christ Jesus “unto good works” (Eph. 2:10). If a Christian is lazy and carnal, he will be chastened by the Lord (Heb. 12:6-8), and if he does not respond, God will take him home (Rom. 8:13; 1 Cor. 11:30; 1 John 5:16).
PHILIPPIANS 2:12. This verse does not say that the child of God must work FOR or work UP his salvation; it says he must work OUT his salvation. These are very different things. To work up or to work for my salvation would mean that I have a part in my salvation and that unless I do my part, I will not be saved. On the other hand, to work out my salvation means God has given me eternal salvation as a free gift in Jesus Christ, and it is His will that I obey Him, not in order to save myself or in order to help God save me, but BECAUSE I am already saved. Verse 13 makes this clear, that it is God who provides the complete salvation. Obedience, holy living is the evidence of salvation. The Christian life is a miracle of God that is wrought from within. The power of the Christian life is the indwelling Holy Spirit, but the Christian is not passive. He is to be controlled by the Spirit (Eph. 5:18), to be led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14), to walk after the Spirit (Rom. 8:4; Gal. 6:25), to mind the things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5).
PHILIPPIANS 3:9-14. How do we know that verse 11 is not referring to gaining one’s salvation through diligent effort? (1) The context is referring not to Paul’s salvation, but to his calling. He endeavored to fulfill God’s perfect will for his life. Verses 10 and 14 leave no question about the meaning of the passage. To divorce it from the context, claiming that Paul was unsure that he possessed eternal salvation, denies the plain teaching of Scripture and throws the Bible into contradictory confusion. (2) Paul said he was trying to earn a “prize” (Phil. 3:14), whereas salvation is a “gift” to be enjoyed (Ephesians 2:8,9). (3) We know that Paul was not stating in Philippians 3 that he was unsure he would be raised from the dead, because in this very epistle and elsewhere he emphasized the certainty of resurrection and the eternal security of the believer (Ph. 2:20,21; 1:6; 1 Cor. 15:51-58).The Lord Jesus Christ promised resurrection to every believer (John 11:25,26). (4) Philippians 3:11 is explained in 1 Timothy 6:12 and 2 Peter 1:10-11, which teach that we “lay hold on eternal life” and prepare an abundant entrance into Christ’s eternal kingdom by our service for Christ in this world. It is speaking of rewards and crowns.
JAMES 2:24. Roman Catholics, Cultists, and others who deny the Gospel of the Grace of Jesus Christ, love to run to James 2:24 to “prove” that salvation is not by Christ’s grace alone through faith alone, but that works are necessary.
Consider the following three observations:
First, context is crucial in understanding any Bible passage. To ignore context is to fill the Bible with contradictions. James was not addressing salvation; he was addressing the Christian life. Note verse 14 – “my brethren…” He is contrasting dead faith with true biblical faith (verses 14-17). “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (verse 14). He is saying that true faith is evident by works. Paul, on the other hand, addresses salvation directly in the book of Romans. The sinner must trust exclusively in the grace of Jesus Christ for salvation. “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works” (Romans 4:4-6). There is no contradiction if one considers the context of each statement. Paul is addressing the unsaved sinner’s perspective. The sinner must trust Jesus Christ exclusively for salvation; he must reject his own filthy works (Isaiah 64:6) and all self-righteousness (Romans 9:30-33) and lean totally upon the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting wholly in His perfect and complete redemption. James, on the other hand, is addressing the Christian’s perspective. The Christian claims to have faith in Jesus Christ. He is therefore to diligently serve God and to walk in His commandments. Those who live in rebellion and who ignore the Word of God demonstrate that they do not possess true saving faith, that they are deceiving themselves.
Second, James and Paul are addressing two different events in Abraham’s life. Paul, in Romans 4:1-4, refers to Abraham’s salvation which occurred early in his life and which is recorded in Genesis 15:5-6. James, on the other hand, refers to Abraham’s testing which occurred 20 years later (James 2:21-24; Genesis 22:1-18). Abraham was saved by faith without works, but his salvation and his faith were EVIDENCED and DEMONSTRATED by his obedience.
Third, James’ teaching is no different from that of the other Apostles. They all taught that true faith produces works. Consider the classic passage in Ephesians 2:8-10 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” This passage puts faith and works in their proper order. It is faith alone which connects us with the free salvation offered in Jesus Christ. This salvation is a gift. Our works have nothing to do with it, and cannot add to the completed salvation in Jesus Christ. Works, rather, follow after salvation and are the product of it, being created by God in the believing sinner. Consider also Titus 3:4-8; Hebrews 6:9; 10:39; 1 John 3:6; 3 John 11. This is exactly what James teaches. He says there are two kinds of faith: saving faith and false faith. The devils have faith but not saving faith (v. 19).
Some will counter that it is not important how one puts these things together. One man says works follow salvation; another says works are a part of salvation. What is the difference? The difference is ENORMOUS. It is the difference between Saved and Lost, between Heaven and Hell. If I think that my works and my righteousness and my obedience and my law-keeping is a part of salvation, even a tiny part of salvation, I am denying the perfect sufficiency of Jesus Christ and of His Atonement. “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). I cannot add one iota to this perfect salvation which is freely offered through Jesus Christ. “Being justified FREELY by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). If works or church sacraments or law keeping are required in any sense whatsoever for salvation, it is not FREE and the Bible is a lie. To add anything to the gospel of the grace of Christ is to bring God’s curse (Gal. 1:6).
1 PETER 1:9. First, let us consider what this verse does not mean. It does not mean salvation is a process or that salvation is uncertain. The context overthrows such teaching. Verses 3-5 tells us that the believer’s salvation is settled and sure. The believer is born again, has a lively hope, possesses an inheritance that is already reserved in heaven, and is kept by God’s power. When the Bible speaks of the believer’s hope, it uses the term differently than the way hope is commonly used today. The believer’s hope has no element of uncertainty. In Hebrews 6:18-19 it is described as “a strong consolation” and “an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast.” The reason the believer has such confidence and security is that his salvation is completely dependent upon Jesus Christ and has nothing to do with his own works. What does the verse mean, then? Two of its wonderful teachings are these: (1) Salvation has evidence (Heb. 10:38,39). True faith works. Salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ without works (Eph. 2:8-9), but salvation also produces the fruit of good works (Eph. 2:10). (2) Salvation has different aspects. There is a past, present, and future aspect to salvation. The believer has been saved from the eternal consequences of sin; he is being saved from the power of sin in this earthly existence; and in his future heavenly home he will have been saved from the very presence of sin. When 1 Peter 1:19 says the believer will receive salvation as the end product of his faith, this is what it is referring to. It does not imply that his salvation is uncertain until the end.
1 PETER 4:18. The righteous are scarcely saved in the sense that salvation is impossible apart from God’s free gift through Jesus Christ. If judged by our earthly lives, if judged by our works, we will all perish. Even the righteous lives of born again Christians fall far short of the glory of Christ and the holiness God requires of us. Our only hope is the righteousness of Christ which is offered to us as a free, unmerited gift (2 Cor. 5:21). Even the righteousness of the religious Pharisees was insufficient (Matt. 5:20). God requires perfect obedience to His law, and no man can attain to that. Thus salvation must be a gift of God’s righteousness provided through Jesus Christ.
2 PETER 2:20-22. Though this passage is often used to prove that eternal security is not true, it actually says nothing about losing ones salvation. The context is false teachers who promote damnable heresies and deny the Lord (v. 1). It should be obvious that it is not saved men who are the focus on this passage, but hypocrites and deceivers. Any interpretation which says these are saved men who lose their salvation flies in the face of the context. The fact that “the latter end is worse with them than the beginning” and “it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness” does not imply that they were saved and now are lost. They were dogs and pigs who were unchanged (v. 22). The fact that they return to their wickedness proves that they were never regenerate. When the context is taken into account, there really is no problem in this passage in regard to the doctrine of eternal security.
HEBREWS 6:4-6. This passage refers to false believers. How do we know? (1) They tasted but they did not drink and eat (contrast John 6:54). (2) Those who fall away cannot be saved again. This shows the error of those who teach that a believer can lose his salvation. (3) The difference between the true believer and the false is the fruit and the evidence (vv. 7,8). (4) Paul plainly states that he is not referring to true believers (v. 9).
HEBREWS 10:26-29. The willful sin in verse 26 refers not to sin in general, but to one particular sin which is described in the rest of the passage. The Bible plainly teaches us that Christians do sin after they are saved (1 John 1:8-10; 2:1-2). There is no sinless perfection in the Christian life. Our perfection and righteousness is in Jesus Christ positionally (1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21). The sin for which there is no forgiveness is the sin of “counting the blood of the covenant an unholy thing.” This means to deny that salvation is by Christ’s blood and grace alone. In the immediate context to which the book of Hebrews was addressed, it refers to the Jews who professed confidence in Christ; but, because of pressure and persecution, returned to their dead religion and thus gave up confidence in Christ. False religion, both then and now, attempts either to replace Christ’s salvation with a manmade system, or to add to Christ’s salvation a manmade system. Catholicism is an example of the latter. It preaches Christ, but it intermingles its own sacraments and priesthood and sainthood with the grace of Christ. This is a false gospel which robs Christ of His glory as the sole Saviour and Mediator. If Christ is not Saviour wholly and exclusively, He is not Saviour at all. If grace is intermingled in any sense with works, the Gospel is perverted, and there is no salvation in a perverted gospel (Rom. 11:6; Gal. 1:6-9).
HEBREWS 12:15-17. To fail of the grace of God does not mean to lose one’s salvation; it means to fall short of being saved. The context makes this plain, as the example given is that of Esau. He was not a believer, though he was born into a believing family. He was a man of the world and cared nothing about the things of God. He thought a bowl of soup was more valuable that his birthright as the son of Isaac.
1. Christ’s Purging promises security (Heb. 1:3).
2. Christ’s Rest promises security (Heb. 4:10).
3. Christ’s Hope promises security (Heb. 6:17-19).
4. Christ’s High Priesthood promises security (Heb. 7:25,26).
5. Christ’s Blood promises security (Heb. 9:12,26; 10:14). (1) We have eternal redemption through His blood (Heb. 9:21). (2) Sin is put away through His blood (Heb. 9:26). (3) We are sanctified once for all through His blood (Heb. 10:10). (4) We are perfected forever through His blood (Heb. 10:14).
6. Christ’s Covenant promises security (Heb. 8:12; 10:16-19).
The Bible plainly teaches that those who are truly born again will evidence their salvation and will continue on with the Lord (John 10:27-28; 1 Cor. 15:1,2; Col. 1:21-23; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:38; 1 John 3:3). The one who permanently falls away demonstrates that he did not belong to the Lord in the first place (Heb. 12:5-8). If a professing Christian murders someone, it probably proves that he was not genuinely saved. Revelation 21:8 is similar to 1 John 3:9. These passages are not talking about an act of sin but a way of life of sin. If these passages are referring to an act of sin, no one can be saved. It is obvious from other passages that a Christian can commit any act of sin, including idolatry and adultery (1 John 1:8-10). This is why we are often warned not to commit these evils (1 Cor. 6:18; 10:6,14; 1 John 5:21). Salvation is to be placed into an entirely and eternally new position in Jesus Christ. The old flesh cannot be redeemed; it can only be condemned and crucified. Our new position in Christ is that our old man is dead and we rise to new life in Jesus Christ. The law can no longer condemn us. Please study Romans 1-8 very carefully, for it holds the key to understanding salvation properly, as well as the proper place of sin and the law in the Christian’s life. Salvation requires perfection, and the only perfection that we can ever have is that which we receive from Jesus Christ because of the Propitiation He purchased on Calvary. Even one sin will keep me out of Heaven, but, praise God, I do not have any sin in Christ. He has taken it all away forever.
Source:
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A question raised under another topic was:
In order for you to backslide you need to have been in the position of being saved.
How about this one. The Bible tells you to keep to the narrow path. If you are saved then surely you will constantly be on the narrow path? I am sure you can wonder off, BUT can you wonder off so far that you get completely lost and end up cursing God and denying Him.
P.S. I am sure you know this, but David Cloud is about as non-Calvinist as one could get. It is a misnomer that the true doctrine of eternal security has anything whatsoever to do with the error of the P in the TULIP. It comes from an entirely different premise and never shall the two even come close to meeting.
This is what David Cloud says in his EXCELLENT article on the topic of eternal security. I see you just posted on this as I am composing this. Wish I had seen it earlier, but wouldn’t hurt to post another one. This is really good. Here is the link:
PHILIPPIANS 2:12. This verse does not say that the child of God must work FOR or work UP his salvation; it says he must work OUT his salvation. These are very different things. To work up or to work for my salvation would mean that I have a part in my salvation and that unless I do my part, I will not be saved. On the other hand, to work out my salvation means God has given me eternal salvation as a free gift in Jesus Christ, and it is His will that I obey Him, not in order to save myself or in order to help God save me, but BECAUSE I am already saved. Verse 13 makes this clear, that it is God who provides the complete salvation. Obedience, holy living is the evidence of salvation. The Christian life is a miracle of God that is wrought from within. The power of the Christian life is the indwelling Holy Spirit, but the Christian is not passive. He is to be controlled by the Spirit (Eph. 5:18), to be led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14), to walk after the Spirit (Rom. 8:4; Gal. 6:25), to mind the things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5).
BL
>> It is a misnomer that the true doctrine of eternal security has anything whatsoever to do with the error of the P in the TULIP.
Totally agree. Through this article by Johan Malan and then the one by David Cloud (which I will post tomorrow) but people can look at the link for now – we will come to the TRUTH and sift through the scriptures. I believe this is a VERY important topic. why?
1) Because of the FALSE twisting of scripture of eternal security in the Calvinist manner that is also found in WoF and New Age (if you are a little god, then well… you are a little god and can do to yourself what you like.)
2) Because I believe that when you are truly saved you are eternally secure, not through anything of your own doing (we do not work for our salvation.) But because of the Holy Spirit abiding in us; we WILL obey God, we will listen to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and repent, we will grow in our relationship with Jesus. We will learn tough lessons when we do sin (because even though we are saved, we can still SIN) but we repent.
The way that Johan Malan is looking at it is almost the direct extreme of being ‘chosen’. You spend your life in fear wondering if you have lost your salvation.
Calvinist – either chosen by God or you are doomed. You get to heaven and are told you are not on the list (even though you worked your whole life to remain as holy as possible).
Now the other extreme – You are chosen/saved but you can lose it.
Thanks, I haven’t read this, but the issue came up in a bible study 2 days ago. I think there are extremes on both sides of salvation. Faith has seemed to be the main concern with God, as in Hebrews, we are told “with out faith it is impossible to please Him.” We are saved by faith, also, we are kept by the power of God- through faith. Also, I sincerely believe the warnings of scriputre apply to believers, since a lost person cannot fall away from a faith or forsake faith they never even had. I will read this article by the way. Also, I think we can set up doctrines and them frame the word of God around it thus changing scriptures to back up a doctrine of man. sincerely–carrie daniel
Debs – You nailed it. ES is a precious doctrine that the enemy has been successful in twisting, perverting, subverting and confusing to the detriment of the Body. Thanks for setting it straight and contending and defending the faith!
Carrie
You will see the article has changed slightly to now include 2 articles, one for and one against. This is a very nice way to clearly see how scripture can be taken out of context and as you say, frame a doctrine with scripture (I like the way you said that).
Read them both and let me know what you think. I think Hebrews 6 is the main problem – for me that is. It’s a problem because it’s very difficult to understand, UNLESS you read it slowly and carefully – then it makes sense.
Isn’t it a bit curious that the Prof. quotes Pink? Though a highly revered theologian, he sounds like a confused Calvinist who apparently doesn’t hold to the perseverance of the saints. If one is opposed to Calvinism, why make the choice to quote someone of the opposing viewpoint?
Burning Lamp
>> Isn’t it a bit curious that the Prof. quotes Pink?
Yes I thought so too. He could have chosen someone else to quote from. Of better yet, why even quote someone?
In David Clouds article what does he mean by?
This is a confusing statement. Is David Cloud for or against the doctrine of election/predestination?
Cloud on his website has a series of articles on Calvinism. He strongly disputes it and supports Dave Hunt’s refutation of it.I, too find his statement in the article confusing. He makes the following statement regarding election in his article refuting Calvinism:
VERSES THAT ARE USED TO SUPPORT THE CALVINIST DOCTRINE OF UNCONDITIONAL SOVEREIGN ELECTION AND SOVEREIGN REPROBATION
“According to this doctrine, God unconditionally and “sovereignly” elects who will be saved and who will not be saved and this election has nothing to do with anything the sinner does, including exercising faith in the gospel. Consider the words of the Westminster Confession: “By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestined unto everlasting life and others foreordained to everlasting death. These angels and men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed; and their number is so certain and definite that it cannot be either increased or diminished. … The rest of mankind, God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to pass by, and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin, to the praise of his glorious justice.”
John Calvin expressed the doctrine of unconditional election in these words: “Predestination we call the decree of God, by which He has determined in Himself, what He would have to become of every individual of mankind. For they are not all created with a similar destiny: but eternal life is foreordained for some, and eternal damnation for others” (Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book III, chap. 21).
Note that sovereign election is accompanied by the twin doctrine of sovereign reprobation of the non-elect. Calvin emphasized this as follows. “[God] devotes to destruction whom he pleases … they are predestinated to eternal death without any demerit of their own, merely by his sovereign will. … he orders all things by his counsel and decree in such a manner, that some men are born devoted from the womb to certain death, that his name by glorified in their destruction. … God chooses whom he will as his children … while he rejects and reprobates others” (Institutes of Christian Religion, Book III, chap. 23).
He then goes into specific verses – the link is
This subject is so tricky because everyone comes with their preconceived ideas and then reads that into the Scripture. I do believe that I am secure by the power of God, but that that security is applied by faith.
Sin is what hardens a person and will eventually make shipwreck of their faith. This is why we should have a very real fear of continual sin. God is not counting our sins and then proclaiming that we are rejected. No God does not reject us, we end up turning away from trusting Him. It is all about trusting Christ or not, not how much you sin. We must indeed finish the race set before us. We must continue in faith. That is what Paul is talking about. It is not about good deeds, but sanctification by the Spirit. It is God who is at work in the Christian, but we can quench the work of the Spirit.
I do not live in fear of losing my salvation, because I do fear sin and I am clinging to the Righteousness of Christ.
Just my two cents on the subject.
Valerie
This is indeed a lovely two cents piece. It truly brought tears to my eyes. Your words touched my heart strings. You know sometimes I wonder why we as people have to complicate everything. Nothing about Jesus and His disciples was complicated if we come to think of it. Man complicates everything for himself.
Psalm 116:6 (Amplified Bible)
The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He helped and saved me.
Matthew 11:25-30 (Amplified Bible)
25At that time Jesus began to say, I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth [and [h]I acknowledge openly and joyfully to Your honor], that You have hidden these things from the wise and clever and learned, and revealed them to babies [to the [i]childish, untaught, and unskilled]. 26Yes, Father, [I praise You that] such was Your gracious will and good pleasure. 27All things have been entrusted and delivered to Me by My Father; and no one [j]fully knows and [k]accurately understands the Son except the Father, and no one [l]fully knows and [m]accurately understands the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son [n]deliberately wills to make Him known. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [o]ease and relieve and [p]refresh [q]your souls.] 29Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([a]relief and ease and refreshment and [b]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.(A) 30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [c]good–not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
Not trying to nitpick, but we are not to fear sin, we are to HATE what is false because we serve a holy God. Perfect love casts out fear. If we hate what is not pleasing to God we will not embrace it.
Faith is not something we conjure up, it is a gift of God for us to exercise and grow as we trust Him and walk in it.
Belief is not a gift, it is a command. We are commanded to Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is the gift, our part is simply to believe what God has said.
Valerie,
God grants everyone a measure of faith, it is a gift. However, it is our choice whether to act upon it and believe.
Burning Lamp
Nah I think we need to nitpick both of these articles, other wise we don’t get to the truth of the matter. What I want to do is take the truth of each article and compile it into a nice big one pro-es
And yes you are right, we are not to fear sin. If we fear sin, then we fear Satan and that means there is a problem with ones salvation.
We HATE evil, we hate false doctrine, we HATE all things that are not good.
Faith has to be a gift from God. Men can’t create anything other than what God gave us when he created us. Faith can be used in the wrong way (where man will use his own faith to create something he never can) the right way, is faith to seek Jesus Christ, believe in Jesus Christ, having the Holy Spirit abide in you, and through faith you walk and grow and listen to the Holy Spirit in your life.
Actually I think I just repeated what you said LB ahha
Burning Lamp and Deborah,
You misunderstood what I meant when I said I fear sin. I fear the consequenses of sin and I find it hard to believe that you ladies don’t as well or you would not have turned away from your sin nature and put your faith in Christ. Sin brings death! That is different than living “in fear”.
I agree that each one is given a measure of faith, but I interpret that to mean that each person is given the ability to believe the truth. No one can say when they stand before God that they were unable to believe that they were a sinner in need of a Savior.
I can see where you are coming from, and I hope that you will extend me grace as I am new to this site. I do not want to lead anyone astray from the Truth. Only one interpretation can be right and I will pray for us all that we will come to the knowlege of the Truth in this matter. If God shows me otherwise I am willing to change my perspective to line up with His and I know from reading here that you would do the same. Let us diligently seek His truth together.
Have a blessed day!
Valerie
Oh sorry, I didn’t even read your comment. I only read Burning Lamp’s one. Sorry that was my fault for not understanding ‘where’ the conversation started.
You are right when you said: “I fear the consequenses of sin and I find it hard to believe that you ladies don’t as well or you would not have turned away from your sin nature and put your faith in Christ. Sin brings death! That is different than living “in fear”.
Boy what a blunder that was. See this is what happens when you are not on the blog for a few days. Takes me a while to get back into the swing of things.
Regarding this article.
While being ‘under the weather’ the last few days. This article that I posted has been bothering me. 1) Johan Malan’s article actually brought a fear over me – something I had not had in years. It was a terrible oppressed feeling of, ‘oh my…I could have lost my salvation already and not even known it”. When that happened I immediately know that was of Satan. So I immediately knew that I had to remove his article from my site. So tis is what I am going to do now.
The whole point of my blog is to preach the truth and having 1 article for the truth and 1 article for error on my site was a very bad mistake and the Holy Spirit let me know. So I am obeying Him now and removing the false one.
What I am also going to do is go write a note on all Johan Malan’s articles. Where there are problems. I will state as such.
Valerie, you said:
“I agree that each one is given a measure of faith, but I interpret that to mean that each person is given the ability to believe the truth. No one can say when they stand before God that they were unable to believe that they were a sinner in need of a Savior.”
Wholeheartedly agree!! Thanks for clarifying.
You also said:
“You misunderstood what I meant when I said I fear sin. I fear the consequenses of sin and I find it hard to believe that you ladies don’t as well or you would not have turned away from your sin nature and put your faith in Christ. Sin brings death! That is different than living “in fear”.”
Dear sister, I misunderstood because you did not fully explain yourself and that generated my response. I now better understand where you are coming from. But I still maintain that my conversion was not based on fear. The Holy Spirit does not operate with fear, but rather conviction. There is a big difference. I do not agree that fear should be our motivation, but rather a hatred of sin, an abhorrance and aversion to it as something not pleasing to God and something that damages and destroys. That is not fear. When I do something wrong, my reaction is not fear, but regret and conviction and the need to repent and confess. I think we are more on the same page than you may think. Please understand, grace is extended without saying and if I came across without that coming through I apologize. Grace and peace to you!
Deborah, thank you for following the lead of the Holy Spirit in taking down the opposing view to ES. Thank you for standing for Truth!!
Hi, thanks for these interesting posts and comments, I think its good for believers to have the issue settled, I am for sure no expert. I read the David Cloud article, I read the prior post as well,I think they both are on extreme ends of the issue , I think its good to be assured of salvation, I think on the other hand, I have always considered those warnings and they have put a healthy fear of God in me to not “mock” God. I am not saying I have walked perfectly and have never floundered around, I was not raised in church or have a christian background so I can say my “christian walk” has definitely been a wreck compared to others who know what is going on and I believe wholeheartedly we all are fallible and will fail from time to time. I am still musing on the issue, but I will probably never be convinced that a beleiver cannot possibly fall away, which would probably involve more that God arbitrarily cutting someone loose, I believe God chastens us, but we are warned against false teacher and diffrent gospels and I think that is where things can become “faith” issues- thanks . sincerely carrie daniel
I just wanted to make some other comments reguarding Faith as a gift.
Yes, God is the author of Faith. We do not as you said conjure up faith. We do not create faith, we exercise it.
I like to think of it like this.
God created our bodies to need food for nurishment and He made our bodies to process that food to provide strength for our bodies. God also created the food that we need. We have no power to make food grow or give strength to our bodies, but we can refuse to nurish our bodies and then we die.
So even though God created the way our bodies work, He does not put the food in our mouths, chew it up and then swallow it for us.
So it is with Spiritual food. God has created the food, His Holy Word, by which we gain spiritual strenghth through the work of the Holy Spirit. Unless we are united to Christ by exercising faith, Christ is of no benefit.
Also I wanted to suggest a word study in the Greek of the words translated as faith,believe and trust. They are all from the same root word. Faith in generally the noun form and trust and believe are in verb form.
So when I say Faith is not a gift, I mean that it is not done for us already, it must be exercised. Grace is what is done for us, the death, burial and resurrection of Christ to provide the blood atonement for our sins and certain hope of bodily resurrection.
Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;
Luke 22:32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Deborah (Discerning the World)
Thank you Debs. 🙂
carrie
Completely on the extreme ends of the issue. I read the anti-security article a few times and taking my bible and studying the scriptures not having read David Clouds article – I could clearly see a huge problem.
For me the word ‘taste’ amounts to a small sample – tasting a 6 course meal is no where near consuming a 6 course meal. This is in reference to the Hebrews 6 verses.
Also it is very clear they are speaking to an unsaved person. For instances to use this in todays language this would be someone who goes to church every day – has experienced the Holy Spirit, been offered the gift (Jesus Christ), tasted the power of the Holy Spirit and STILL refuses Jesus Christ. They spend their lives in good works – acting like a Christian but their works are dead.
And it goes back to what I always said. The question that needs to be asked when someone uses the ‘Once saved always saved’ statement is. ‘Was the person saved to start off with?’
I am going to expand on this article by David Cloud – There are some verses I would like to explain in more detail using nice simple examples and easy to understand language lol.
Oh there was something else I wanted to say and now I forgot LOL. Oh that’s what I wanted to say. We have the habit of reading verses supplied to us without reading the rest of the verse – or we carry on reading rest of the verse but fail to start at the beginning – reading what is says before the verse. Even I am guilty of this, we read the verse, we read the rest of the verse, get ourselves all tangled up in knots over nothing because we were to lazy to go and start from the beginning and read it in context.
Burning Lamp / Deborah
(This from a comment I made on “Twelve reasons for the rapture”, thought it might have relevance here aswell)
I don’t think one could make it much simpler than you state here. When Jesus saves us, we are found lost in a state of sin. The fact that we are saved by Grace at a point in our life, does not equate to us being sinless when we die, due to us having made further changes. We cannot perfect the saving Grace offered, it is perfect when we receive it.
It cannot come into effect at a later stage, once perpetual sin has been removed or remedied by the sinner, because death may come very soon after salvation.
It may also be that one person has a greater ability to exert self control than another to resist a specific sin. That would bring personal strength into the equation of maintaining salvation, which then removes Grace.
Because we cannot overcome sin by our works, we cannot be saved through works and we cannot maintain salvation through our works. If we need to comply with stipulations to maintain salvation, we would be under the law. This would necessitate varied stipulations to determine with what regularity the sin would need to be committed (post salvation) to be regarded as perpetual. This would need to differ according to the individuals own ability to resist. This all gets rediculously complicated.
Once again, this is simple to understand and true. I can fully second this, not only due to having had a similar experience in this regard, but because I have raised children. On reaching adulthood, they would certainly have drawn away from me, had the preceding 21 years or so, been based solely on them maintaining their security by complying with my rules. Countless times, the children were told to stop doing A, or change the way they were doing B, with very little or no effect. Today our relationship is stronger than ever, and they still do some things wrongly, even sinfully so.
Certainly, a parents love for a child is indestructible. Indestructible, irrespective. In contrast, I find it impossible to love another’s child in the same way.
Just thought I would add this because I can.
It’s cold and I am turning blue. 21 deg C today? Yeah right.
Deborah (Discerning the World)
yyyyeesssss me to I can see the blue starting…..ttttto sssshhhhhooowww brrrrr.
Hope you gals made it through the night…………and did not become human icicles! I thought Africa was warm, even South Africa!