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Eternal Security or
Perseverance of the Saints?
Introduction
Those walking in Jesus are secure
The New Testament does not teach the doctrine
of eternal security
The Old Testament teaches against the doctrine
of eternal security
Verses used by brothers who believe in eternal
security
Scriptures to exhort persevere in the faith
Conclusion
While this issue is important to most Christians, it only affects the
backslider. Those who have refused Jesus’ offer never had eternal
security. The scriptures clearly teach that those who loved and were
trusting in Jesus when they died are securely in His kingdom. But what
happens to the backslider? Is it possible to stop walking with God? Are
backsliders saved?
I will try to prove through the scripture that it is possible to become
lukewarm. And that God said: "So then because thou art lukewarm, and
neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
In order to be honest we must understand before we start that most
Christians are biased on this issue. Usually a sermon will look only for
the scriptures that prove their point. Then they create a few straw-men
examples to discredit their opposition and close in prayer. Instead I
have tried to recognize my bias, I ask you to do the same and try to
read the scriptures for what they really say and not what you may really
want them to say.
To avoid creating straw-men I have quoted extensively the verses used by
those who oppose my view. I have tried to take all scripture in context,
knowing I will be held accountable. You also will be held accountable if
you knowingly try to make scripture say something it does not.
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in
which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are
unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures,
unto their own destruction. - 2nd Peter 3:16
I am not accusing anyone of perverting the scripture on purpose. However
it does take a real effort to overcome our foregone conclusions and read
scripture for what God plainly means it to say.
The word heresy comes from a root word that means to divide. Some who
believe in eternal security have made it such an important doctrine that
they divide the church over it. To be honest this charge may apply to
those on both sides of this issue. Also it does not apply to all;
however some denominations have shut their doors to those who love God
and believe the Bible because they do not believe the Bible teaches
eternal security. If as I will try to prove in this paper the doctrine
of Eternal Security is wrong, on the Day of Judgment, those who caused a
division over it will see they are the true heretics. There are many
Christians on both sides of this issue, so while I will do my best to
persuade those who disagree, I hope I can at least make some repent for
the division they cause in the church.
What you believe effects how you act. If you believe that getting
someone to say the sinner's prayer sincerely gives him eternal security,
then you will try to get as many people to say the sinner's prayer as
you can.
If you believe that “We must through much tribulation enter into the
kingdom of God.” Then you will be very concerned that your converts are
properly discipled. Realizing that poorly discipled believers may fall
away, like Paul, you will travail in birth until Christ be formed in
them.
If you believed that once they do fall away they will be much harder to
reach the second time, you would be concerned that you do not inoculate
them against the Gospel of Jesus. A poor witness may be worse than no
witness at all.
Today we pass out a tract that teaches the ‘Four spiritual laws’ and
then if our convert prayed, like it says to on the last page, we tell
him he has eternal life. We have replaced the Gospel of Jesus with the
four spiritual laws. The Word of God is much more than that.
If we did not believe in eternal security, we would be more concerned
for our children. We would take more time and personally see they are
properly discipled. I hear that the statistics show over 70% of the
children from Christian homes leave the faith once they start attending
a college or university. I think way to many Christians are oblivious to
this epidemic.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. - 2nd
Timothy 2:15
Everyone wishes to show himself approved to God. If you are mistaken on
this issue because you refused to study, will you not be ashamed
instead? I would suggest that if you missed this you may have missed,
for the same reason, other important doctrines. Maybe another important
doctrine you would misunderstand would be the proper fear of God. As
Jesus said:
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the
soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and
body in hell. - Matthew 10:28
Most Christians have preconceived ideas on doctrine. As a result most
Christians are not open to what the Bible truly teaches. It is not that
they misunderstand everything; however, what they do misunderstand
because of their denominational bias, they will misunderstand their
entire life.
And [Jesus] said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and
become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of
heaven. - Matthew 18:3
If you approach this paper trying to disprove me, you will probably
succeed. Don’t do it! Instead look at what the scriptures are truly
saying. What would a verse plainly mean to someone who had not made up
their mind on this doctrine. Ask yourself prayerfully, how would a child
interpret the verse.
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord
of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the
wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. -
Matthew 11:25
How does the heart problem apply to this study? Many Christians who
believe in eternal security also believe that lukewarm Christians are
saved, though they will not have much of a reward. Yet there is only one
verse on being lukewarm in the entire Bible, in it the Amen, the
faithful and true witness himself plainly said:
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will
spue thee out of my mouth. - Revelation 3:16
When we stand before God many will wish that they exhorted one another
to persevere in the faith, rather than to lull in some sense of false
security. But maybe this verse was taken out of context. Well again the
Lord concluded speaking to the Laodiceans by saying:
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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto
the churches. - Revelation 3:21-22
Imagine that you are a young orphan boy living on the street. A wealthy,
loving father seeing you, wishes to adopt you. As the father tries to
become a family he decides to take you to the county fair. There are
large crowds, lots of noise and many attractions there. Before starting
out he tells you, his youngster, to stay close to him so you won’t get
lost. If by some chance, you do lose site of him, you are to stay where
you are until he the father comes back. For he will without doubt come
back to find you.
I know this as a father myself. I feed my children when they are hungry.
I give them water when they thirst. I provide clothing and shelter from
the heat and cold. I watch out for their safety. I withhold no good
thing from them. If one of my children gets out of my sight I will
immediately go back to all the places we have been, until I find him.
So you, go to the fair with this man. You start calling him father. You
get excited when you hear about the inheritance you will receive. You
look forward to the day when you will come to live in the mansion that,
even now, is being prepared for you by the father.
As long as you stay next to the father you are safe and secure. The
father provides everything, he only asked for you to stay next to him –
and abide in his love.
Now imagine that you lose sight of the father. There are many
distractions at the fair. At first you are not even sure how long you
have been separated. You start to panic; you have no idea how you are
going to find the father, when you remembers the words. “Stay where you
are until I come back. For without doubt I will come back to find you.”
If you have faith in the father you will be ok. Perfect faith in the
father will cast out all fear.
As a father I know, I lost a child at the fair once, a loving father
will always go back for his child. My child is loved, safe, nourished,
clothed and in all ways provided for as long as he, and I am not asking
to much, continues in my love. Yet, if my child were to deliberately
avoid my fellowship and then when we were separated, continued
disobeying and wandered off, I would not be able to care for or protect
him.
Those walking in Jesus are secure.
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. - John
10:27-28
If we are following Jesus nobody can pluck us out of His hand. Whose
fault would it be if you leave the faith? Hint; the answer is in James
chapter 1.
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God
cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every
man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when
it is finished, bringeth forth death. - James 1:13-15
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he
fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common
to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. - 1st Corinthians
10:12-13
Since Paul said to take heed, all denominational doctrine aside, I think
we should take him serious, and take head. Notice also that he didn’t
say; ‘you would lose your reward’, he said: “Take heed lest he fall.” If
you get your Bible out and read this verse in context you will see in
1st Corinthians chapter 10 many examples of falling and they refer to
death, not losing your rewards. Paul even prefaced the above verse with:
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are
written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are
come. - 1st Corinthians 10:11
Since there is no trial or temptation that we cannot escape or bear, if
we refuse to take head we will certainly have no excuses.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye
were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest
of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession,
unto the praise of his glory. - Ephesians 1:13-14
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto
the day of redemption. - Ephesians 4:30
Jesus also said: “… 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.”
The Holy Spirit that we are sealed with, is the essence of our
salvation (see Romans 8:9). To know, to abide in Jesus Christ, to
have a personal relationship with Him. If you are not fellowshipping
with God now (I don’t care about what you may have experienced in the
past) if you have no relationship with Jesus, unless you repent, by
definition you do not have the Holy Spirit, and you will be
disappointed on the Day of Judgment. 2nd John 1:8-9 will confirm this:
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have
wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever
transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not
God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the
Father and the Son. - 2nd John 1:8-9
John is not talking about unbelievers, he is talking to us: “Look to
yourselves”. Do not think that you can have the Holy Spirit if you do
not have the Father and Son.
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.
- 1st John 2:24-25
This promise of continuing in the Son and in the Father is prefaced with
the words “If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain
in you”
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
The hope that He will present us “holy and unblameable and unreproveable
in his sight” is a reasonable hope only if we continue and be not moved.
This is usually presented as the doctrine of those who do not believe in
eternal security. Not true, we do not teach this, this is a straw-man
argument. Salvation will be based on your relationship with Jesus, not
on your works. It is true, that a relationship with God and faith in God
produce good works. These good works are the fruit of the relationship
not the way we are saved.
It is true also that there are people who believe they will be saved by
their works. Some, like the Roman Catholic Church, may believe that you
must repent after sinning a mortal sin and if you don’t do penance
before you die you will go to hell. Yet, there is no similarity between
this works doctrine and the teaching of Jesus as recorded in the four
gospels.
How do you know you are abiding in or loving Christ enough?
This objection has been suggested to me more than once. I think my
opponents are trying to make abiding in Christ seem like salvation by
works. Anyway, suppose your relationship with God isn’t as close as it
used to be; at what point do you lose your salvation?
It is not how close you are abiding. Either you are abiding or you are
not.
He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with
me scattereth.
- Luke 11:23
Let me ask you a question. How sincerely do you have to say the sinner's
prayer in order to have eternal security?
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi,
Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God,
why hast thou forsaken me?
- Mark 15:34
A relationship with Christ is not based on feelings. Though Jesus felt
forsaken by the Father, yet we know he was in the fathers perfect will.
You may feel ‘forsaken’ by God at times but that is not evidence for
determining the quality of your relationship. By faith we know he will
never forsake us.
How do I know I am abiding in Christ enough?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. - Matthew
22:37
This is the standard. Let my adversaries put down or explain away this
commandment as unnecessary to be saved. If you or someone you know is
not trying to keep this first and greatest commandment your false sense
of security may be in for a rude awakening.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
- Romans 10:13
So once we have called upon the name of the Lord we have eternal life,
right? This is all we have to do to be saved, right? Eternal life is
eternal or it is not eternal life, right?
This verse does teach how we are saved. Yet, does this verse teach us
that if we call on him once we will have eternal life? Or on the other
hand, does not Paul who penned the above verse, teach us that calling on
the Lord is to be a continual process?
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the
same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. -
Romans 10:12
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are
sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in
every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both
theirs and ours: - 1st Corinthians 1:2
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity,
peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
- 2nd Timothy 2:22
As a matter of fact we are called ‘they that call on the Lord’ in the
Bible more often than we are called by the name Christian. As it is also
used in Acts might not calling on the Lord be a continual process?
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all
that call on thy name.
- Acts 9:14
Does Romans 10:13, ‘calling on the name of the Lord’, exclude other
Bible verses on salvation? For instance, do any of these verses apply to
being saved?
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: - John
1:12
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish. - Luke 13:3
The important point is that we must look at all verses on salvation, in
their proper context, before we make dogmatic statements on salvation.
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.
- 1st Corinthians 15:1-2
In 1st Corinthians, Paul said that he had declared the gospel to them.
Now the Corinthians had to keep in memory his teachings to be saved, and
if they didn’t they would have believed in vain. What did Paul teach?
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. - 1st Timothy 4:16
Christians can rejoice and know they are saved as long as they are
abiding in Christ. Some Christians are well founded on the Rock and I
have no doubt for their future. Other Christians seem to be wavering;
only time will tell if the cares of this world will choke out their
faith.
Maybe I should re-title this document "The sinner's Prayer or
Perseverance of the Saints" since the Bible does not teach that you have
eternal life if you sincerely say a sinner's prayer. Though there are
many examples of sinners praying, the concept of a "sinner's prayer", as
it is practiced in many churches today, is never mentioned in the Bible.
Specifically there is no place where a sinner was led in a prayer and
told that since he has sincerely said that prayer he has eternal life.
If the "Sinner's Prayer" is not taught in the Bible, then the concept of
receiving eternal life by saying the "sinner's Prayer" sincerely is not
taught either.
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men.
- Mark 7:7
I am not speaking against praying, or praying at the moment you begin to
believe and enter into a relationship with Jesus. However the New
Testament is clear, the apostles are in agreement, the way to eternal
life is plainly stated.
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true
God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. - John 17:3
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
eternal life. - John 3:15
Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life:
and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to
me, that ye might have life. - John 5:39-40
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an
understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we
are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This
is the true God, and eternal life. - 1st John 5:20
Perhaps it is important to also mention that we should be known of God
also.
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart
from me, ye that work iniquity. - Matthew 7:23
When you have received the crown of life you will have eternal security.
I do not know a single verse that teaches you receive it at the moment
you say the sinner’s prayer. However, there are many verses that teach
the crown of eternal life is given at the First Resurrection. Here are
some samples.
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
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no
man take thy crown.
- Revelation 3:11
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is
tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath
promised to them that love him.
- James 1:12
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:
on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be
priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand
years. - Revelation 20:6
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto
the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the
tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. -
Revelation 2:7
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be
blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the
presence of the Lord; - Acts 3:19
Of course our bias will determine how we interpret these verses.
However, they all plainly say receiving the crown of life is a future
event.
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And
because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But
he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
- Matthew 24:11-13
Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and
forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And
when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no
root, they withered away.
- Matthew 13:5-6
The same word ‘withered’ was used to describe what happened to the fig
tree Jesus cursed. For something to wither it must have once have been
alive.
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide
in me.
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.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye
will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified,
that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my
love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love;
even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his
love. - John 15:3-10
This passage plainly teaches that if we abide not in Jesus we will be
“cast into the fire”. However if we abide in Jesus we will “bear much
fruit” and thereby be his disciples.
In this passage Jesus himself exhorts us using the words “Abide in me”
five times, “continue (or abide) ye in my love” twice. He also says to
“Abide in the vine”, and warns us with “If a man abide not in me…”
According to John, Jesus plainly taught that we must abide in him if we
hope to receive the crown of eternal life on the Judgment day.
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to
continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation
enter into the kingdom of God. - Acts 14:22
Paul and Barnabas exhorted the disciples to ‘continue in the faith’
because 'continuing' was the disciple's responsibility. We should be
preparing disciples for tribulation rather than teaching that it is
unnecessary.
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild
olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of
the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the
branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root
thee.
Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be
graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou
standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 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
11:17-22
Paul didn’t teach the church in Rome ‘you will lose your rewards’, he
said: “Thou also shalt be cut off”. If your church is not teaching this,
it is teaching a different gospel. See the warning in
Galatians chapter 1
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. - 1st Corinthians 9:27
According to James Strong 'ad-ok'-ee-mos' is translated reprobate six
times, three times in 2nd Corinthians 13:5-7, and is used to describe
unbelievers of the worst kind in Romans 1:28,
2nd Timothy 3:8 and Titus 1:16. It is translated ‘rejected’ in Hebrews
6:8.
Paul was not worried about loosing his reward.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath
made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ
shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that
is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ
is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified
by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by
faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing,
nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey
the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
- Galatians 5:1-9
Notice how Paul said to “stand fast”, this is because they were saved,
but if they were to become circumcised than Christ would profit them
nothing. That is they would fall from grace.
As Paul said: “ye are fallen from grace”. This would be impossible if
you could not fall from grace. He said, “ye are fallen from grace” not
you would lose your reward. Two other verses from the book of Galatians
worth looking at.
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made
perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain?
if it be yet in vain. - Galatians 3:3-4
I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
- Galatians 4:11
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already
perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which
also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not
myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting
those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things
which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:11-14
Paul is not worried about doing enough good works to be saved. But he
does know the crown of eternal life will be given when he stands before
God, so until then it would be wise to be like Paul and apply these same
verses to our own lives.
This is not insecurity, this is biblical fear of the Lord. It is
healthy. If you are teaching something else some day you will wish you
had a healthy fear of the Lord.
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
Unless you had preconceived ideas in the next verse the Bible would say:
“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our
confidence stedfast unto the end:”
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of
our confidence stedfast unto the end; - Hebrews
3:14
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation
unto all them that obey him; - Hebrews 5:9
If you are not currently obeying Him, he may not be the author of your
eternal salvation.
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
This passage warns the backslider that it will be much harder to be
renewed a second time. If we the church were to take this passage
seriously we would make an effort to disciple new believers, rather than
go for a large number of salvations.
Nor does this verse teach we must do a certain amount of good works to
be saved. We are saved by loving and believing in Him. It is possible to
stop believing. I used to believe in Santa Claus with all my heart
[until I was about eight years old]. In those days I even received
gifts from him. I do not believe in or have any relationship with Santa
Claus anymore. It is possible to stop believing in, and loving someone.
In this next passage the Apostle is talking to those who were sanctified
by the Holy Ghost, which means he is not talking to those who were never
saved, he is saying that if they sin willfully they will receive a
punishment worse than death, this is worse than the lose of a reward.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of
the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain
fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall
devour the adversaries.
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three
witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be
thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and
hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was
sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the
Spirit of grace?
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will
recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his
people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living
God. - Heb 10:26-31
Your feeling of security is completely irrelevant, no, its dangerous.
Teaching the saints that they are eternally secure, does a big
disservice. Instead we should be saying: “The Lord shall judge his
people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man
shall see the Lord:
- Hebrews 12:14
If this sounds like salvation by works I am sorry, but I didn’t make it
up.
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness,
and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save
your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,
deceiving your own selves. - James 1:21-22
James says the way to save our souls is to ‘receive the word with
meekness and then to do what it says.’ Those who are hearers only, that
is not doing what he said to do, are deceiving themselves.
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this
world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised
to them that love him? - James 2:5
Why make our election sure? Doesn’t Peter know about eternal security?
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off,
and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore
the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and
election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
- 2nd Peter 1:9-10
Amen, give diligence to make your calling and election sure. Peter was
not telling unbelievers to give diligence but rather those that were
purged from their old sins (Christians). He was telling us to give
diligence to make our election sure. I have never heard this taught by
anybody who believes in the doctrine of eternal security.
Now I have heard it preached on once since I penned the above paragraph.
It was used in an alter call and the Pastor said it applied specifically
to unbelievers not the saved. However, when did the apostles call
unbelievers brethren?
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time. - 1st Peter
1:5
It seems to be a double effort here, God’s power and our faith. What
would happen to those who have left the faith?
It is possible to deny the Lord that bought you and bring upon yourself
swift destruction? In these next verses Peter teaches just that.
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there
shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in
damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and
bring upon themselves swift destruction. - 2nd Peter 2:1
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through
the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour 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.
- 2nd
Peter 2:20-21
It is possible to escape the pollutions of the world and than to be
again entangled therein. And the words “the latter end is worse with
them than the beginning.” means their judgment will be worse than those
who had never been saved. It does not mean that they are still saved,
but have lost their reward.
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 steadfastness. - 2nd Peter 3:17
Finally Peter warns us, calling us beloved, that we be not led away with
the errors of the wicked and fall from our own steadfastness.
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
Book of Life is in both the Old and New Testament
And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me,
him will I blot out of my book. - Exodus 32:33
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 3:5
Your name cannot be blotted out of the Book of Life unless it was in
there in the first place!
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this
prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life,
and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in
this book. - Revelation 22:19
This verse says that God shall take his part out of the book of life and
out of the Holy City and the things written in this book. Be careful
that you don't take away from the meaning of this verse, so you don't
get your part taken from the Book of Life.
This verse in Revelation talks about rewards and salvation to him that
overcomes.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God,
and he shall be my son.
- Revelation 21:7
It is not the sinner's prayer that saves it is our relationship we have
with Him. He is not talking of those who loved him once, if you are
lukewarm now and don't repent, he will spew thee out of His mouth.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will
spew thee out of my mouth. - Revelation 3:16
Some will bock at using scripture from the Old Testament, however we
serve an unchanging God.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and
cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning.
- James 1:17
These words in Malachi are in the same section where he speaks of
Christ’s first coming (this dispensation) so is it not relevant to this
dispensation?
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not
consumed.
- Malachi 3:6
When referring to the New Testament times Daniel says:
And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them,
and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end:
because it is yet for a time appointed.
- Daniel 11:35
The following scripture verses mean just what they say. If God were
unchanging, would it not be wiser to believe, than to explain away these
verses.
And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and
concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in
my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good,
wherewith I said I would benefit them. - Jeremiah
18:9-10
When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and
committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he
hath done shall he die. - Ezekiel 18:26
When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth
iniquity, he shall even die thereby. - Ezekiel 33:18
However some will still say it was a different dispensation. Maybe so,
but the new dispensation is worse off for the backslider.
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three
witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he
be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God,
and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was
sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the
Spirit of grace?
- Hebrews 10:28-29
God expects more of us in this dispensation because we have better
promises. Notice that the ‘sorer punishment’ mentioned here is a fate
worse than death, not just losing your reward. Also note that the author
of Hebrews is talking in this verse about a person who ‘was sanctified’;
he is not referring to an unbeliever.
God is my witness that I have tried to be completely unbiased as I
looked at each verse. Though I have tried, I know that it is impossible
to be completely unbiased, and I am sure that I have not represented the
brothers who believe in eternal security to their satisfaction. If you
wish to read a pro eternal security paper you should go to those who
believe in eternal security. Anybody interested in writing a rebuttal to
this paper to post on this site?
At the same time you may ask these brothers to show you a few other
things:
-
Is there a verse in the Bible that doesn't condemn the lukewarm?
-
Is there a verse that holds out hope to the backslider without
mentioning repentance?
-
Show you some verses where the word security is mentioned in the
Bible.
-
Show you some examples of the "sinner's prayer".
If you have a similar challenge for me my email address is
The following verses are mostly from four books or teachings, provided
to me by different brothers who believe in eternal security. These
verses were used to teach or prove their doctrine of eternal security.
We will look at all the verses quoted from these sources, not
just the poor examples, I am not fighting a straw-man. If a verse is not
shown here, it is because I have quoted it elsewhere in this paper as a
proof against the eternal security doctrine. The order of these passages
are in the same order that they are found in the Bible.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all
thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy
foot against a stone. - Psalm 91:11-12
Those I have talked to, who believe in eternal security, won't listen to
verses from the Old Testament, it's a different dispensation. However,
the Old Testament is quoted from to teach eternal security.
Anyway those using this verse are taking Psalm 91 completely out of
context. This Psalm is a prophecy specifically referring to Jesus, for
its fulfillment see Matthew 4:6.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will
not slumber.
- Psalm 121:3
This verse does not say we cannot backslide. Psalm 121 says God does not
sleep. He is able and willing to protect us from evil. It is possible
for God to keep those who love him even if they do not believe in the
doctrine of eternal security.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh
to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not
to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is
the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath
given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the
last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one
which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting
life: and I will raise him up at the last day. - John
6:37-40
Again, this verse doesn’t say we can’t leave of our own volition, it
says he will not cast out those who love Him. Some may say that since
“[it] is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the
Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life” we cannot leave
him even if we want.
However using the same logic I have heard some quote Peter (The Lord is
not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is
longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that
all should come to repentance. - 2nd Peter 3:9) saying everyone
is saved! Yet we do not always do the Lord’s will, and even though the
Lord wills something it will not always happen, this is to our shame.
Some will still use John 6:37-40 to prove eternal security, yet as soon
as Jesus was done with his sermon the very next verse says: “From that
time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”
- John 6:66
Amen. 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
In this passage the burden of continuing is placed on us.
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. - Romans
11:29
This is another verse taken out of context, it is in the middle of a
paragraph talking about God’s relationship with Israel. The ‘gifts’ that
Paul is referring to are the promises that God gave Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob. He is not talking about anybody’s individual security.
If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he
himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. - 1st Corinthians
3:15
This verse is not teaching ‘If any man backslides, he will lose his
reward but he shall still be saved, yet so as by fire.’ a better
paraphrase would be; ‘If your service to Christ is like wood or hay
instead of gold or silver, you will lose your reward’. The word ‘work’
is referring to our service to God, not to our sins.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of
God dwelleth in you?
- 1st Corinthians 3:16
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the
temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive
himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let
him become a fool, that he may be wise.
- 1st Corinthians 3:17-18
Here verse 16 will be quoted and verses 17-18 will be left out. Since
Paul says the Spirit of God dwells in us, this passage has to be
referring to the believers. When he says “him shall God destroy” he
means ‘him shall God destroy’. This could not possibly mean; ‘He shall
lose his reward’.
Nor did Paul say ‘God will destroy his temple’ look at the verse
carefully. Many who believe in eternal security will use this passage to
teach that God will physically kill a backslider, yet the backslider
does not lose his salvation. There are five reasons why this is wrong.
-
The truth is, some faithful Christians like Steven die for their
faithfulness, and others have their lives prolonged for their
faithfulness. See Hebrews 11 for many similar examples.
-
Some backsliders die because of backsliding, and others like Charles
Templeton will and have lived long lives.
-
This doctrine is very close to the one taught by Job’s comforters.
To paraphrase it: "Job, God is punishing you because you are a
backslider." Since God personally and specifically condemned the
doctrine of Job's comforters we should to.
-
If this "him shall God destroy" is simply dying, it is not a
punishment. Paul himself wished to depart and be with the Lord, see
Philippians 1:23.
-
Isn’t this simply one version of the prosperity doctrine condemned
by Paul in 1st Timothy 6:5? If Paul said to stay away from those who
teach gain is godliness. Should we not also avoid those who teach
that loss means you were ungodly?
1st Corinthians 3:16 is not a verse that proves eternal security. 1st
Corinthians 3:16 taken in context, with verses 17-18, plainly teaches
the opposite.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good
work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: -
Philippians 1:6
This verse give a lot of comfort to the disciple who is growing in
Jesus. For as Paul said to the Ephesians “For we are his workmanship”.
However, it does not remove from us the responsibility of working out
your own salvation with fear and trembling as Paul himself says in the
very next chapter.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my
presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh
in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
- Philippians 2:12-13
Paul plainly says to ‘work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling’, When we are doing that God will perform a good work in us
until the day of Jesus Christ. If you are not ‘working out your own
salvation with fear and trembling’ what will happen then?
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am
not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that
he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that
day. - 2nd Timothy 1:12
This verse gives a lot of comfort to the disciples of Jesus who are
suffering. However, it does not remove from us the responsibility of
abiding in his love from us. Nor does the chapter teach that you cannot
fall away, read what Paul wrote only three verses later.
This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away
from me;
- 2 Timothy 1:15a
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come
unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for
them. - Hebrews 7:25
It is indeed God who saves us, intercedes for us, cleanses us from sin,
creates in us a new heart, delivers us from temptation and makes us
over-comers, the only thing this verse doesn’t promise is that God will
make us abide in Him. This the apostle made clear in chapter 3.
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
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 Today; 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
steadfast unto the end; - Hebrews 3:12-14
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with
such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee,
nor forsake thee. - Hebrews 13:5
Since He promises not to forsake us, if we are unfaithful and leave Him,
we will have no one to blame but ourselves.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that
doeth the will of God abideth for ever. - 1st John
2:17
Is ‘the will of God’ referred to here a continuing responsibility? Or,
does this verse teach that saying the sinner’s prayer sincerely will
suffice?
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that
antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby
we know that it is the last time. - 1st John 2:18
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had
been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they
went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of
us. - 1st John 2:19
When 1st John 2:19 is quoted verse 18 will be omitted. Verse 19 is
talking about a specific group of people, antichrists. It tells us where
they came from. It is not a general reference to believers suggesting
they cannot back slide.
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and
ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing
teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as
it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little
children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have
confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. - 1st
John 2:27-28
In this passage John exhorts us to "abide in him", therefore the
responsibility of abiding in him is ours and should be taken seriously
that we may have confidence at Jesus coming.
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath
not seen him, neither known him. - 1st John 3:6
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth
in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. - 1st John
3:9
Verse 9 is quoted though in context it is better for teaching you that
you cannot sin, than teaching eternal security. Verse 6 mentions in
passing the need to abide in him. The very next verse teaches:
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the
devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he
that loveth not his brother.
- 1st John 3:10
This is the definition of an unbeliever, is this not also a good
definition of a backslider? The whole of chapter three gives this
contrast and teaches the behavior of those who are abiding in Christ.
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because
greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. - 1st
John 4:4
If we have a relationship with God “greater is he that is in you” we
will be over-comers. This promise of being an over-comer is only to
those who have that relationship. See essence of
salvation
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is
begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth
him not. - 1st John 5:18
Just as John says we must keep ourselves. Does this sound like he is
teaching ‘eternal security’ or ‘perseverance of the saints’?
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of
our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have
compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling
them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
- Jude 1:21-23
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present
you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
- Jude 1:24
When this passage is quoted verse 21, for some reason is always left
out. Do we have the promises of verse 24, When we ignor the command of
verse 21?
Instead of exhorting unbelievers with words like: “Come down to the
alter and call on the name of Jesus and you can have eternal security!”
we should be exhorting disciples to persevere in the faith.
The Scripture I have quoted in this study is only a small portion of
what should replace the eternal security doctrine. We do a disservice to
those we are trying to disciple by giving them a false sense of
security, knowing that the road is so narrow. We do a disservice when we
explain away these exhortations rather than exhorting them. We would
take discipling new believers more seriously and be less concerned with
numbers “We had forty saved people last night” if we understood eternal
security properly.
There are many other passages of scripture, but if these verses don’t
convince those who believe in eternal security to pray and rethink their
position neither will they. Many that are saved believe in eternal
security. However, they will regret believing in eternal security when
they see the damage it has done by both splitting the church and putting
the church to sleep. Many will wish they had put some effort into
discipling new believers instead of just going for big numbers. Even so,
come Lord Jesus.
Thank you for reading this. You may copy and use it freely, Jeff.
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