What a subject for a short post! But lately I’ve been thinking about evangelical expressions and terminology commonly used but not found in the Bible. One of these is “eternal security” and it’s twin, “once saved always saved”. Eternal security teaches: “You’ve made a decision and you’re in. No worries. It’s a done deal.” It tells us all that matters is that you began: you decided and your eternity is set; salvation is just making a decision for Jesus. Once you decide, no matter what you do, you are in for ever.
Is this the biblical view of the Christian life?? No. Absolutely not! And teaching this not only causes one to avoid biblical exhortations – after all, they’re unnecessary – but also leads to situations like the following:
Last September, while on vacation, I heard Charles Stanley on the radio one night. He commented on Galatians 5:19-21, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [a list follows]; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. He explained that this does not mean what it says. He literally said, “This does not mean that people who do these kinds of things will not inherit the kingdom.” And why not? Because, he admitted, if we take it at face value it would contradict eternal security.
Another time I was having a discussion with a friend of mine about the gospel and for some reason I mentioned Hebrews 6 (For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened . . . If they shall fall away) and 10 (For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins). My friend responded by telling me about some professor who had written a book that included “a really good explanation for such ‘problem passages’.” Now, why would Hebrews 6 and 10 be considered “problem passages”? Because a simple, plain reading of them contradicts eternal security.
And this is my point. “Eternal security” and “once saved always saved” are not biblical expressions. And to go one step further, they do not convey a biblical view. Whenever we devote ourselves to unbiblical ideas we create situations like those above. This teaching not only creates “problem passages” but it renders unnecessary the biblical exhortations to continue in the faith and the biblical warnings against failing to continue in the faith.
I have been reminded of this in my Bible reading lately. I recently read Hebrews, 1 & 2 Peter, and Mark. In these books are expressions and exhortations that those who teach “eternal security” would consider “problem passages.”
Hebrews
This was written to Jews who had believed in Christ but were now considering going back. The letter is full of comparisons (Jesus is better), uncertainty (if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end), exhortations (Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God), and warnings (If they shall fall away).
1 Peter
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
Salvation has come, but forgiveness of sins is just the down payment of the full blessing God has for us, which we will receive when Jesus returns. And Peter tells us plainly, hope to the end for this grace. This is an imperative – keep on hoping.
2 Peter
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Mark
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
All these passages are rendered superfluous and otherwise unnecessary by the teaching of unconditional eternal security - I don’t need to endure to the end. I decided, man, and I’m in!
Oh I know, anyone reading this who believes in eternal security will say, “If you don’t believe in eternal security then you are teaching salvation by works.” Using an unbiblical phrase they reach an unbiblical conclusion. And one not true, either. I mean, nowhere does the Bible say, “If thou believest not in eternal security, thou art teaching salvation by works.” I’ve even heard people say, “If you don’t believe in eternal security, I doubt that you are really saved.”
The Bible teaches that the only faith that saves is the faith that clings to Jesus to the end. A faith that begins but does not hold on to the end does not save. You can spin it anyway you want, but to be biblical we need to exhort believers to continue in the faith and warn them of the consequences of falling away from the faith.
Is there then no security in Christ? YES, there is security and safety. In Christ. And we can have assurance of salvation. Nevertheless, we are repeatedly exhorted to continue in faith and not to fall away from Christ. As in Hebrews 10:35-39 –
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if he draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Exhortation (cast not away), encouragement (after you have done the will of God you will receive), more encouragement (he will come), and warning (if he draw back). Then he clearly sets forth two classes of people: those who begin but draw back and those who believe to the saving of the soul.
Every writer and nearly every book of the New Testament contain these warnings and exhortations. Now, I believe that we are saved by grace through faith. I believe in assurance of salvation and in the witness of the Spirit. And I believe that no one and no thing can take me out of His hand. But I also believe that I must continue to the end in this faith. “Or . . .” Well, that’s another discussion! I know what the Bible teaches about that “or” but my point today is that “eternal security” and it’s emphasis is not biblical.
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