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
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