The belief in eternal security
has been embraced by an untold number of millions, upon millions of
those professing Christian faith. There is no doubt that this
doctrine has also brought great comfort and reassurance to
many. So what exactly is this belief in eternal security? Why
is it so warmly received, in general? How does a belief in this
doctrine manifest itself in the lives of those accepting it?
After a person has come to a saving
knowledge of Jesus Christ, the doctrine of eternal security
asserts that this person cannot be eternally lost; they are destined
for heaven, no matter what may happen, or how things may
appear outwardly. The “saved” person cannot choose to walk
away from Christ, sin will never again keep them out of
“right relationship” with God, they cannot be deceived
into embracing another gospel, and even denials of Christ bear
no eternal weight. Some openly proclaim that after receiving
salvation, the convert then becomes a slave to God!
God’s Word never uses the word slave for any
description, however.
It’s easy to see why such a concept
is so popular. After arriving at the spiritual “crisis” point
which leads to salvation, the new believer then ultimately has no
further responsibility toward God; at least, none that will make any
difference eternally. Therefore, when taken to the negative
extreme, those professing eternal security can be verbally
reverent toward God/Jesus Christ, but otherwise bear only the fruit
of worldly gratification (they walk in the flesh).
As with most doctrines, scripture is
provided as the basis for this belief in eternal security. I
have known of many truly saved individuals who hold to this
doctrine. In the upbringing I received, the denomination I was
involved with did not support the belief in eternal
security; that position became my own, though I could not have
argued why or why not according to scripture.
Most who are familiar with this
website have known me to be outspoken in my criticism of eternal
security. Yet in recent times, I have been challenged to
re-examine my position. It is always possible to bend
scriptures in order to support, or refute a certain
viewpoint. When trying to discern Godly teaching through the Word of
God, our information must be as pure as possible—without
bias (this takes continual prayer). If you have been taught to look
at scriptures from a particular vantage point, over many years’
exposure, it is almost impossible to shake off.
This article, being now re-written,
reflects a far deeper and renewed effort on my part to ascertain the
Lord’s revelation concerning eternal security as set forth
in His Word. It is not my desire to hurt, or offend; I only wish to
bring forth the truth (John 17:17). In so doing, there can be
no influence allowed from learned men and women; no matter how
spiritual they may be, or what esteem they might hold
historically in relation to the Christian faith. I am not
judging anyone’s eternal standing with the Lord, but I am
in fact challenging those who profess His name to walk more
closely with their Savior on this matter. Approach this subject with
considerable prayer, imploring the Lord Jesus to lead you into
this by His Spirit alone (I John 2:27).
Somewhat closely related to this topic
is the subject of predestination. I am choosing to more
directly go over that topic in a separate article, though it is
closely related to eternal security. In researching these
subjects Biblically, I reviewed Psalms, and the entire
New Testament for picking out words and phrases that
might pertain. You will also see a good many other verses that the
Lord brought to my mind as relevant. It is my prayer that the
information you come across here will work for your edification in
the Lord; all glory be to God alone (Isaiah 42:8) for the working of
His Holy Ghost!
Salvation is truly a wonderful gift,
beyond all description. How terrible it is to realize that we
are completely lost; eternally damned without a
hope of attaining heaven, from the day of our birth! But then, how
wonderful it is to know that God himself
has paid for our sins; taking upon Himself the punishment due
to each one of us, long before we even knew His name!
God’s Word then shows us the
simplicity and certainty with which salvation will be granted,
when we have accepted our spiritually fallen condition, and the only
remedy for it! That remedy is the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s
look at some of these wonderful promises;
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
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of
the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou
shalt be saved. Romans 10:9
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13
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.
Ephesians 2:8,9
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to
his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing
of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus
Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be
made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7
There is no doubt that these
words of God are steadfast and true (II Corinthians 1:20). Since the
Lord also knows the future outcome of all things, it can also be
safely declared that God and Christ know those who are
His. Yet if all men have the opportunity
to be saved (and that is the Lord’s desire!), and each
person must then choose this gift from God for
themselves; on what ground does eternal security stand, when
it declares that those once saved have no choice but to remain
with Christ? When we look at the scriptures which apply to this, we
must bear in mind what they say in relationship to the context they
are in, and the entire Word of God.
The Lord is bringing me to a place of
greater and greater humility. He has instilled within me far
greater compassion toward my family in Christ. We each may be zealous
in our devotion to the Lord Jesus, but it does not keep
us from making sincere mistakes. Within the body of Christ, such
mistakes should be handled with gentleness (II Timothy 2:24-26).
As you will read on, you will find
that the outcome of this renewed study has only solidified my
original stance regarding eternal security. If you are to
proceed from here, please do so with prayer and patience (Luke
21:19). Remember, the truths being brought forth are from God’s own
Word, the King James Bible.
It is my opinion that the teachings on
eternal security began as a way of reassuring believers
that their own salvation could not be “lost” by some
momentary stumbling on their part; this is true. Romans
5:2 shows us that once we are saved, we have retained access
into God’s grace by faith; Romans 5:8-10 then concluding
that we will yet be forgiven when we fall short, and repent
(I John 1:8-2:1).
In addressing the fear, that of
falling away unawares, I believe the teaching (doctrine?) of eternal
security was born. Scriptures were then searched out which seemed
to support this teaching. Also, many other scriptures which refuted
eternal security were mostly re-classified to
silence their words of protest; this is where many modern
dispensational teachings have emerged from (my own opinion).
If you have been trained to believe in
eternal security, there are numerous passages you could
reference for supporting this teaching. I will not
attack these verses, or you; though I have studied them
thoroughly. It is my opinion that you are interpreting these
scriptures in the way MEN have told you that they
should be interpreted. Instead, I will list or print (please
read all) the many passages of protest throughout the New
Testament, and let God’s Word speak for itself. You see, I do
not want to fall into the same error I am criticizing; which is to
say, I don’t want to taint your own view of God-breathed scripture
by my own commentary! After these passages, you will find most
of the remnants of the previous article left as they were
(But, yes; a few alterations). Always feel free to contact us
with any questions, concerns, or comments you might have.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is
in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in
thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto
them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:21-23
Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the
word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked
one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he
which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed
into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon
with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth
for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of
the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among
the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world,
and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh
unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that
heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and
bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew
13:18-23 (also in Mark 4:14-20, Luke 8:11-15)
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country,
who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And
unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to
every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his
journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded
with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that
had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received
one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a
long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five
talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold,
I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him,
Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful
over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter
thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents
came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I
have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him,
Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a
few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into
the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came
and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where
thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I
was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou
hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked
and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and
gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put
my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have
received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and
give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath
shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath
not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the
unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and
gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25:14-30
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I
will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an
house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when
the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and
could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that
heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built
an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat
vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was
great. Luke 6:46-49
Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall
the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that
denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. And
whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be
forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it
shall not be forgiven. Luke 12:8-10
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be
overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life,
and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come
on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye
therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape
all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son
of man. Luke 21:34-36
And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me,
except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of
his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. John 6:65,66
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my
words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and
make our abode with him. John 14:23
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the
which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of
God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this,
that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not
sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking
perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch,
and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn
every one night and day with tears. Acts 20:28-31
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the
Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many
as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans
8:13,14
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by
any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a
castaway. I Corinthians 9:27
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. I
Corinthians 10:12
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached
unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which
also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you,
unless ye have believed in vain. I Corinthians 15:1,2
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye
receive not the grace of God in vain. II Corinthians 6:1
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves
with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by
themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
II Corinthians 10:12
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own
selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you,
except ye be reprobates? II Corinthians 13:5
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto
you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8
And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel
which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were
of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to
be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought
in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in
Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: Galatians 2:2-4
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of
Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Philippians 2:16
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the
loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win
Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which
is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the
righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the
power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings,
being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain
unto the resurrection of the dead. Philippians 3:8-11
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by
wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh
through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable
in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and
be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard,
and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven;
whereof I Paul am made a minister; Colossians 1:21-23
For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your
faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our
labour be in vain. I Thessalonians 3:5
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for
in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
I Timothy 4:16
For some are already turned aside after Satan. I Timothy 5:15
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may
also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal
glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall
also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we
deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth
faithful: he cannot deny himself. II Timothy 2:10-13
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we
hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the
end. Hebrews 3:6
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy
Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the
world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto
repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh,
and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:4-6
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any
root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be
defiled; Hebrews 12:15
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of
the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of
the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of
his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of
sins. James 5:19,20
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:
and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey
not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where
shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that
suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls
to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. I Peter 4:17-19
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware
lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from
your own stedfastness. II Peter 3:17
Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the
beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall
remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
I John 2:24,25
If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he
shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto
death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for
it. I John 5:16
But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that
overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give
power over the nations: Revelation 2:25,26
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and
open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he
with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in
his throne. Revelation 3:20,21
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth
his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Revelation
16:15
See also: Matthew 5:13, 10:33,
13:24-30, 37-42, 12:43-45, 16:24-26, 22:2-14, 23:37,
24:4,10-13,22-24,48-51, Mark 12:1-11, 13:5,6,13,20-22,33-37, Luke
8:18, 9:59,60, 11:35, 12:37-46, 13:24-27, 14:16-24,26-30, John
1:12,13, 3:16-18, 8:24, 12:25,26, 14:15,23, Acts 5:1-10,32, 8:18-24,
11:23, 14:22, Romans 6:1-7,11-22, 7:18-24, 8:1-16, 10:1-3, 11:28-32,
12:1,2, 13:11-14, 16:17,18, I Corinthians 3:1-3,16,17, 4:2,5, 6:9-20,
7:9, 9:16,17, 10:1-6, 15:58, II Corinthians 4:1,2, 5:9,20, 6:14-18,
7:1, 10:18, 11:3,4,13-15, Galatians 3:1-4, 4:9-11, 5:1-9,16,25,
6:1-4, Ephesians 4:1,14,15,21-24,30, 5:3-11,17, Philippians 1:27,
2:12, Colossians 1:10, 2:4-10,18, 3:1-5, 4:12,17, I Thessalonians
2:12, 3:8, 5:6-9,21-24, II Thessalonians 1:5,11, 3:6,14, I Timothy
1:5-7,19,20, 2:15, 5:8,24, 6:10-12,20,21, II Timothy 2:16-18,19-21,
3:13, Titus 1:9,10, 2:12-15, 3:10,11, Hebrews 2:1-3, 3:18-4:3,14,
10:26-29, 12:1,5-8,28,29, James 1:22, 2:9,14-24, 4:17, 5:9, I Peter
2:1-3, 4:1,2,7, 5:8, II Peter 1:5-11, 2:1-3, 3:14, I John
1:5-2:6,15,19,28, 3:3-7,16-24, 4:1, II John 8,9, III John 11, Jude
3-5,20-24, Revelation 2:16, 3:8-11,16, 15:2
As you read on in this section, you
will find that I believe in a sure salvation for the redeemed
of God. Biblically, that is not the same as eternal security.
When someone honestly receives Jesus Christ as savior, it will show.
It does not imply immediate perfection—but a desire
to please the Lord (salvation gratitude), and leave sin behind. While
growing spiritually along the way, he or she will often stumble and
fall short of perfection. Some stumblings are sin, but some
are lesser faults. This person will bring these to the Lord,
and ask forgiveness—along with prayers for the Holy Ghost to
strengthen them to overcome in these areas.
Romans 8:1 is a promise
for us of a sure salvation;
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ
Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1
You see at once here the promise (no
condemnation to those in Christ Jesus), but also the condition
of that promise (no condemnation for those who walk after the Spirit,
not the flesh).
Such a one is in tune with the Lord.
They are very aware of their shortcomings, because they love Jesus
and want to please Him. There is no danger of an “accidental”
falling away! If such a one has committed an offense to God without
realizing, the blood of Jesus will cover it (I John 1:7). Then when
that sin is revealed to us by the Spirit, we simply repent.
John 9:41 shows us that when we are ignorant of a particular wrong
which we have committed, it isn’t yet sin for us. It was the
same in the Old Testament; the sacrifice for a sin done in
ignorance wasn’t made, until after it was revealed to the
person to actually be sin- see Leviticus
4:13,14, 22,23,27,28.
Yet the issue may be of actual sin.
Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1,2), and can lead to
backsliding. Even that truly sincere believer must
repent. The Holy Spirit will begin moving to bring them conviction,
and chastening may be needed to get that person’s attention; or
even as punishment for the sin. If that believer repents for the sin,
Jesus is faithful to forgive. If they do not, God will continue to
strive with them to return. This striving may last for years, but it
will end. The Word of God shows us this plainly in it’s
teachings and examples. It is not a pleasant topic for the end times
“church”! Even now, this watchman is proclaiming to you that we
are leaving the age of grace, and entering the age of judgment.
Return to the Lord while there is still time; diligently seek the
Lord with reverent fear.
So what does the Word of God say about
the possibility of “falling away?” Frankly, it is utterly and
completely filled with passages and examples. I will take the time to
only go over a few, while listing a great many more. Even this
partial list pales in comparison to the vast references in the Word.
PLEASE read all, and pray for Holy Ghost understanding.
We will start with some Old Testament
references on the subject. The Word of God is remarkably consistent
throughout its entirety, even as Jesus declared that he had not come
to abolish the law, but fulfill it. (Matthew 5:17,18)
The term “backslide” is what I
grew up with when referring to falling back into sin. The root word
“backslide” is used only in the Old Testament. It is found in
Proverbs 14:14; Jeremiah 2:19; 3:6,8,11,12,14,22; 5:6; 8:5; 14:7;
31:22: 49:4; Hosea 4:16; 11:7; 14:4 Some people may shun the
repetition, and blame that on the individual prophet. Yet they are
only quoting from God himself—when the Lord Jesus (the Word: see
John 1) repeats something, it is very important.
Deuteronomy 28 is the longest chapter
in the book. Verses 1-14 are God’s promises of blessing for Israel,
if they continue in obedience. The last 54 verses
are warning about the judgment of God, if they should stray. That’s
nearly 4 times as much negative as positive! (Please read; the
chapter is too long to write out)
Thus is established that God’s elect
people can fall back into sin, and be judged as evil doers.
Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come
upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD
bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off
this good land which the LORD your God hath given you. When ye have
transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded
you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to
them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye
shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto
you. Joshua 23:15,16
This passage is another clear example
of conditional salvation. So many call Israel
God’s chosen people, or elect. Biblically, however,
this was only so as long as they followed after the Lord.
Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual
backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. I
hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him
of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his
course, as the horse rusheth into the battle. Yea, the stork in the
heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and
the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not
the judgment of the LORD. How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of
the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the
scribes is in vain. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and
taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom
is in them? Jeremiah 8:5-9
Through Solomon God declared that
“there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). There is
much from the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel that also applies
today, or is about today directly. Yet here God is rebuking
His people through Jeremiah, and it is an identical situation
to that in the organized church of today. They claim to keep the
Word, but have actually rejected it (compare with I Samuel 15,
Matthew 7:21-23, and 15:7-9). And they do not recognize God’s
judgment when it befalls them.
Does this remind you of anything? I
pray that it does. Today, many people vigorously worship the Lord (in
vain); singing, dancing, crying. They claim to be devout Christians;
loving and obeying the Word of God. But they actually use a new age
version of the word, one they “feel” is more comfortable and
easily understood. They listen attentively to speakers and church
leaders (not testing the spirits, or using discernment), never
questioning them as they tear apart the perfectly preserved Word of
God: showing the congregation where it is wrong, and
telling you what it should say!
God is calling to you now, even
through Jeremiah and Ezekiel, to repent and return to the truth of
the Word. This is kind of a last days “two minute warning”;
before it is too late.
Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The
righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of
his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not
fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither
shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day
that he sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall
surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit
iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for
his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. Ezekiel
33:12,13
Doesn’t this say it all? Righteous
people who turn to wickedness will not have the “good”
remembered! It is a powerful early testimony about salvation. If one
has repented and been saved, but then falls away back into sin
knowingly, they will lose their salvation if they do not repent.
I’m talking about a life such as Elvis Presley—saved at a young
age, but seduced into sin by the god of this world. His life plainly
represented rebellion, with unrepentant sin replacing that
once beautiful salvation(?). “By their fruit ye shall know them…”
Also see in Old Testament Deuteronomy
30:10-20; Judges 2:11-19; Joshua 24:20; I Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah
11:10,11; 7:16 Ezekiel 3:20; 14:5; 33:8
As we now turn to the New Testament,
you might be surprised to realize how much I struggled to condense
my number of references! Please read all that are listed. Many are
direct, but some also are clearly implied. Take John 8:31 for
example:
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue
in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; John 8:31
Jesus is speaking to the Jews that
believed on him, that they were his disciples if they
continued in His Word! Hence, it is implied that they could fall away
if they do not. Yes, they were saved, but they had to continue
following Jesus (via the Word) to make that salvation sure. John
15:13,14 is the same:
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for
his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
John 15:13,14
Remember that in this scripture, Jesus
is with the 11 true disciples in the upper room. The “if” here is
again about obedience! If they do whatsoever Jesus commands,
then they are his friends, and He gave His life for
them. The implication of disobedience is clear—no salvation!
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin
against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto
him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times
seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain
king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun
to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand
talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his Lord commanded him
to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and
payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped
him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Then the Lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed
him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and
found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and
he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that
thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought
him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he
would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the
debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very
sorry, and came and told unto their Lord all that was done. Then his
Lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked
servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant,
even as I had pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him
to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So
likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your
hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew
18:21-35
Here again is an example of how one
can forfeit salvation. Even after the larger debt had been forgiven,
it was reinstated because of the offense.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do
nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and
is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and
they are burned. John 15:5,6
In this example, again, Jesus is
talking to his disciples only. He states that he is the vine, and
that they are the branches. Branches that bear no fruit are burned.
See, salvation comes by the grace and mercy of God through the
atoning sacrifice of Jesus, His son. This salvation is to produce
fruit—that is, works. Eternal security states that works
don’t matter after salvation; the Word tells us that faith without
works is dead (James 2:17)! For our current purposes, this passage
shows how even the chosen disciples could lose their
salvation! Jesus did not lie, or use idle words—he means for us to
believe him.
For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also
spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on
them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou
continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Romans 11:21,22
Ouch! Consider yourself warned! These
are the words of God almighty, written through a letter to the
Gentile believers in Rome. It is instruction by the Holy Spirit to
true Christian followers at all times, and all places. (II Timothy
3:16,17) (II Peter 1:21)
But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also
are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God
forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make
myself a transgressor. Galatians 2:17,18
Here is another warning about
returning to the ways of sin. The sins the Galatians were falling
into were religious in nature! Trying to please God through
their own righteousness and ritual, just like the professing
“church” of today.
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by
spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of
Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day
shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man
of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; II Thessalonians 2:2,3
This letter is written to the
Christians at Thessalonica, and prophesies of the falling away
of the end times (it’s in full swing now). What is being
fallen away from? True faith in God—yes, believers becoming
unsaved, fast! The entire passage is II Thessalonians
2:2-12. Thessalonians and Timothy feature numerous
prophecies about world and church conditions in the last days. It is
the most spiritually deceptive time in history.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some
shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and
doctrines of devils; I Timothy 4:1
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove,
rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will
come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own
lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be
turned unto fables. II Timothy 4:2-4
We are plainly told here that many
will turn away from God.
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another
daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through
the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we
hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; Hebrews
3:12-14
Still more warning about departing
from God, and a big “if” in verse 14!
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a
tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when
they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the
lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean
escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty,
they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is
overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they
have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and
overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For
it had been better for them not to have known the way of
righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy
commandment delivered unto them. II Peter 2:17-21
This chapter addresses spiritual
deception in the church, very thoroughly. Please read it all!
Yet it makes plain that false teachers will promise believers liberty
in Christ through certain doctrines, and lead them back into sin.
Sounds like Eternal Security to me! It promises liberty to do
anything they desire; assuring them that they are still saved. All
the while it tends to lead them backward into a more depraved
state, and eternal damnation.
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do
the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will
remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Revelation 2:5
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast,
and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as
a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee…He
that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I
will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will
confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelation
3:3…5
Revelation chapters 2 and 3 are
directly from Christ to the seven churches. Some say that each one
represents a particular church “age”—the Word of God does
not. I believe these types of churches could be found throughout
the years, at any given place or time. This way Christ can address
and warn all of His followers, without a “stamp” on
it that declares it to be only for certain believers.
Within these chapters, the word repent
is used 4 times. Even apart from that particular word, warnings are
given over and over. 2:5,7,10,11,13,16; 3:3,11,16,19. Some are
direct, and some are by implication.
Other New Testament references are
Matthew 7:21-27; 10:33; 15:7-9; 13:18-23; 24:13,24,44-51; I
Corinthians 9:24-27; Galatians 1:6-8; 2:2; 4:9-11; 5:4; Philippians
2:12; 3:17,18 Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:6; 4:1,11,14;
10:38; 12:7,8,17; James 2:14-20; II Peter 1:10, Jude 24,25;
Revelation 16:15; 18:4;
Is this enough? If we really could be
“once saved, always saved,” why are there so many
warnings about being deceived and falling away? All of these passages
listed above could have been replaced with salvation
strategies and emphasis, not to mention reassurances for keeping
one’s own salvation! God kept His words preserved in the way He
knew to be best.
Getting saved is easy, praise be to
God! After this, however, we are in a daily battle for our eternal
destination (John 15:33); Satan is yet warring against us (Ephesians
6:10-18).
When I was in Army basic training at
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, we had to qualify in a number of areas.
At 21, I was required to do a minimum of 40 push-ups within 2 minutes
time. By the time I had to do mine, I had stiffened a bit from lesser
activity in the morning.
After breezing through the first 37, I
tightened up--#40 just would not come. For over a minute I fought to
complete that last “minimum” push-up, without succeeding; but not
giving up, either. When the time was up, the Sgt. Attending said to
me, “Get up, son—you did 40 push-ups.” This is a decent analogy
of a true believer’s life. We can never achieve a holy life, but we
continue to grow and press toward it (Philippians 3:12-15). The blood
of Jesus makes up the difference, thank God! Do you think my Sgt.
would have given me the 40, had I quit at 37—when I first felt
uncomfortable?
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for
they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23
As believers, we must keep pressing
on.
So what of the passages telling us of
a sure salvation?
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
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I
give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither
shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them
me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my
Father’s hand. John 10:27-29
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13
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. Ephesians
2:8-10
Also see John 3:36, 5:24, 6:37, Acts
2:21, Romans 5:1-10; 8:1-4, 33-39; Titus 3:5-7
Out of every religion on earth, only
the Word of God guarantees salvation to its followers;
followers of Christ. Jesus paid it all for us, we need
only accept this gift of God (Romans 6:23). It does not
mean that our lives will be a constant joy ride! We are also still
able to deny Christ, and turn away. We must choose for
Jesus every day; no one can take your salvation! Your
spiritual condition can also not be changed through any outer
physical affliction (II Corinthians 4:16-18). Check out these verses
as further clarification…Acts 14:22; I Peter 1:6-9; I Corinthians
10:13
We do not have eternal security,
but a sure salvation. That salvation is
eternally secure, as long as you choose to keep it. Cling to
the Lord, who has given us the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance
in claiming that sure salvation.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil
shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye
shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I
will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou
shalt be saved. Romans 10:9
