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DOES THE BIBLE TEACH “ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED”? PART I
This is a question on which there are conflicting views upon among those who profess to be Christians as most of us are well aware. This question is what some one has termed “an in house debate.” While I believe it is a very important question and we certainly should strive to know what scripture says about it, at the same time I do feel that whether you come to the conclusion yes or the conclusion no, those answers within themselves will not affect your eternal destiny. Let me say up front that I believe the scriptures make it abundantly clear that we can forfeit the gift of God that was procured for us both before we accept Jesus and also after we accept him. It appears to me that the main difference between the yeas and the nays on this is the difference in the way the term “salvation” is viewed. Those who hold to the “eternal security” doctrine seem to believe that salvation for past and sins uncommitted is a one time thing, a done deal, as it were “written in stone “ and nothing can ever alter that regardless of the life a person lives or the depth and reach of the faith he might possess or cease to possess. Those such as I, who take the other position, hold that salvation from sin is speaking of sins committed and not sins that might be committed in some distant future. These must be forgiven AFTER they are committed. (and require action on our part I John 1:8 & 9) One of the main problems I see with the “eternal security” position is that it does not provide us with a feeling of the necessity of living a godly life and trying to walk in the steps of Jesus. If sinning makes no difference then what difference does it make? This is closely akin to what many call “cheap grace”, or as Paul would put it , “Well then, shall we keep on sinning so that God can keep on showing us more and more kindness and forgiveness?” Rom.6:1 L.B. This is certainly not to say that all that hold this view go about living any old way that they wish. I know many personally that hold this view whose lives would be an example to many who hold the opposite view. It is however a dangerous teaching, in that, it does foster the idea that it really doesn’t matter how we live.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT IT? The teaching of scripture is that man is a being of free choice and always has the option of doing right or doing wrong. God never has forced anyone to love him nor has he forced anyone to worship him. The roadsides of life are strewn with those who made the wrong choices. The missing members on Lords’ Day are a testimony to the wrong choices made by many others. The first couple that God placed upon the earth had a choice; to eat, or not to eat of the tree that was forbidden by the Father. (Gen.3) In this choice they failed. Why did they fail? It was because of a lie told by Satan. God said if they ate they would die. Satan said if they ate they would not die. The idea of death is “separation” and when they disobeyed God they were separated spiritually from God; hence we find them hiding from God. Further, a separation from physical life was required of them and all men henceforth. (Heb.9:27) The Bible calls what they did “sin” and it was such a seemingly trifling thing, what could possibly be the harm in eating? The underlying thing is eating was not the sin, it was the lack of belief of what God said and the believing of what Satan said instead. And so it is today for you and for me who profess to be his children. Jesus plainly teaches that it is not about what we do but rather it is what we think and believe that is the cause of the actions we take and the choices we make. God will not force us to make the right choices. However; He does hold us accountable for the choices we make. Paul makes a statement to the Corinthian Christians that every one of us should remember as we contemplate our lives for the day. Please note that the great apostle includes himself in this statement. “For WE (Christians-the church of God at Corinth) must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body.” 2 Cor.5:10 Please continue through this question with me in the rest of this series of articles. I will love you no less if after this study you disagree with the conclusions drawn. Please submit your comments or criticisms as I will certainly read them.
Live for Jesus----Gerald If you have any comments or
questions, please email me:
thornsandnails@avsia.com
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