Once Saved, Always Saved

"For it is not by works that you enter the kingdom of heaven..." Grace would not be grace if it depended on our works. Likewise, if we can do nothing to attain our salvation apart from believing, which is only enabled by grace, what can we do to lose our salvation? And if it is but to refuse to believe, by what might can any man resist God's will which has made us to believe? How can I see the sun and refuse to believe its existence? The idea that salvation can be lost is futile and causes unnecessary fear in true believers. What confidence is built in those to find this revelation! What comfort for those souls! How much more should this empower us to walk with gratitude in good works!

I grew up not believing in the perseverance of the saints. The whole "once saved, always saved" thing was for the Baptists and I was smarter than they were. I wasn't deceived like they were. Note the sarcasm, only because I am ashamed at my confidence in my ignorance. I have learned that the more I learn, the less I know. I would argue with my Baptist friends about this idea that our salvation was eternally secure. I would, at times, bring my opponent to my side of the argument. Not that the argument must be had or that it is proper to argue over doctrine. However, scripture tells us not to take part in "foolish arguments" that only lead to more arguments. This is important because some arguments are justifiable. If the argument produces edification, joy, and affirmation in our call as believers, I assure you, it is worth it.

So basically, this was my stance:

Salvation comes through man choosing Christ as his Lord and savior. He has confessed with his mouth and believed in his heart. He is saved. His will has saved him. The wages of sin is death. Should a saved man, not walk carefully in the light of scripture, he would give over to temptation and sin. This would be small step by small step. What a man sows, that shall he also reap. If a saved man is gradually choosing sin, which pays in death, and is sowing death through his conduct, which reaps death, how can this man receive, or reap, or be paid in eternal life (I still believe this sentence by the way)? If salvation comes by a choice, man can simply unchoose. The New Testament speaks many times of people "falling from grace," "losing their way," "denying the master who bought them," and so on. This makes sense. I almost even talked myself back into believing it while writing this. Our carnal minds, our modern philosophy want this to be true. The reason is because if its true, we have control.

Why I think this is a dangerous doctrine:

For one, this way of thinking sets the focus of our walk with the Lord on man. We become front and center. Our choices, our conduct, our power. But more importantly, this idea make salvation a result of our works. We tend to think "work" means physical and recordable actions. But work is effort. Scripture tells us that we are saved "not by works lest any should boast." We see in Romans that Paul says it is "not by human will or exertion" that we receive our salvation. John tells us that it is "not the will of the flesh" that we are born of God. Notice the wording is consistent in that it is not based on human will. If it be human will, our focus is on man and his ability rather than on God and his sovereignty. To see why I believe in God's sovereignty over salvation, click here.

Scripture plainly tells us that salvation is not the work of man. We also see that God is consistent. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God's will is consistent and eternal. So, if salvation depends not on the works of man, what works can man do to lose it? If man is performing such works that are not in alignment with biblical Christian behavior, is he truly born again? We see in 1 John 3 that anyone who makes a practice of sinning, who is content to live a sinful life, proves that the "seed of God is not within him." We also see in scripture that "you will know them by their fruit." Jesus said that he was the vine and we are the branches and that apart from Him we cannot bear fruit. He also said that there would be some joined to the tree that do not bare fruit and that they will be cut off and cast into the fire. Salvation is evidenced in works that are rooted in love, which is the great command of the new covenant.

Now, for those truly marked by the seed of God, we have an inheritance in heaven that is "sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of Christ." Other verses say "chosen in Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit." Jesus says that He will not lose a single one that is given to Him by the Father. Jesus also says that nothing can pluck us from his hand. We see, even in the parable of the lost sheep, that the sheep was originally part of the shepherd's fold. He didn't go in search of some wild sheep to make his, he went to find HIS sheep that had wandered away. The Bible tells us that "the Lord chastens (disciplines) those whom He loves." When we see our brother or sister in sin, we are to go to them and bring them back. If one is 'back-slidding,' one of two things is happening: 1. He was not truly born of God and will continue in sin. 2. He is born of God and is soon to receive the chastening of the Lord to restore him. The second is covered by grace, which is sufficient for our sin.

"The more sin abounds, the more grace abounds." Paul's next words are crucial. "So then should we continue to sin so that grace will abound more and more? Indeed not!" We are not to take advantage of the grace given us, but to take comfort in it. This is the great confidence of the believer. That we have been "joined with Christ in his resurrection"and "what the Lord hath joined together, let no man put asunder."

So the question remains, what about those "fall from grace" verses? I think the best picture that can be drawn to explain this is from Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. The main character, Christian, made his way to the path that leads to the celestial city. In order to enter the path, he came through the wicket gate as directed by
Evangelist, his first guide. As Christian walked along the path, he came by two men who had made their way onto the path by coming over the walls. Eventually, fear along the way cause them to abandon the path. Yet, Christian continued because he was given guidance and security at the gate. Grace is the road to eternal life. There are many that come to this road by other means, but soon loose their way because they did not enter through the gate. Jesus says in John 10, "Truly, truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber."

What the Lord has established, no man can tear down! Take heart, friends! He has overcome the world and secured for you life everlasting! Grace to you!