Security

Introduction

Many are taught "once saved, always saved". This is called "eternal security". The idea, of course, is that once you've accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are saved, and you can never lose your salvation. On the surface (and in reality), this sounds wonderful! But a careful analysis of related Bible passages should cause us to be VERY CAUTIOUS about our salvation, and to NEVER take it for granted.

I will let the Bible do most of the talking here, but let me start out with a summary of what's being presented.

First, a few caveats. Number one: By no means do I claim infallibility on this subject! God forbid I should ever claim such a thing! But I have earnestly prayed for discernment and guidance in this area, and what follows is a representation of my studies to-date. It could be that I'm wrong and, in time, will come to discern that. At the moment, though, I don't believe that to be the case.

Second caveat: there are those who will say that most (if not all) of the verses which show the possibility of losing one's salvation actually only apply to those who never really had it in the first place. Now this may well be true, though I don't think the Bible clearly states that in many of these cases.

Third, by NO MEANS am I advocating a "salvation by works" doctrine!! I believe works to be a critical means for maintaining a living, active faith. It is this living, active faith which, according to the Scriptures, appears to be absolutely critical to salvation.

Okay, caveats behind us, let's move on to the exegesis.

There are two kinds of faith: "saving faith" and what we'll call "initial faith". Saving faith is the ONLY faith that will get you to Heaven. Initial faith is a faith that starts out, for all appearances, as saving faith, but then dies. Those who hold to a strict "once saved, always saved" theology will say that these were never truly saved to begin with. Regardless, this group of people, these "initially faithful" who have lost their faith (whether they were ever saved or not), are no longer (or never were) saved.

Now, here's the scary part, and the reason why I felt it was so important to get this message out. It would appear from reading the Bible and from earthly experience that those with saving faith and those with initial faith can, at the beginnings of their faith be equally as certain in their own minds that they are saved! For those with only "initial faith", this would be what's known as "false assurance".

Most recently, though, a third possibility was brought to my attention by a sister in Christ, who has provided feedback to me on a number of occasions. H.L. Nigro, author of "Before God's Wrath: the Bible's Answer to the Timing of the Rapture" and two Internet columns, "Talkin' Rapture" and "The Everyday Evangelist", provided the following insight:

"One thing to consider on the exegesis, which is something I've been wrestling
with, is whether or not someone can voluntarily give up his or her salvation.
I am a strong believer that you can never LOSE your salvation, if you want
it. But what about those who walk away, get lured away by sin, and choose
- voluntarily, knowing the consequences - not to come back. One cannot lose a
gift, but one can give it back.

This would reconcile the seeming contradictions between the eternal security
verses and those that seem to imply that you must run the race in order to win
the crown."

- H.L. Nigro
Strong Tower Publishing

My personal opinion, after digesting the Bible verses, is that each believer starts out with initial faith, and those who truly repent of their sins, who proceed to do the good works commanded by our Lord, and persevere in the faith are those who go down the path of saving faith. Or, another way to look at it might be that these people do not allow anything in this world to choke out their faith. And they do not return the gift. Saving faith endures through trials and tribulations, and through persecution. Saving faith perseveres! For an excellent presentation of faith and its development (or lack thereof), see Matthew 13:3-23. Some of these passages will be used to support the diagram below.

Here's the bottom line, then I'll give you a diagram and connect the various Bible passages to the diagram to make my case.

8 for by grace have ye been saved through faith; Eph 2:8 (ASV)

How are we saved? By grace. How do we get grace? Through faith. Okay. Now:

17 Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself. James 2:17 (ASV)

How do we keep faith alive? By works (good deeds). Faith, without works is dead.

Now let's put the two parts of the equation together. To be saved, ya gotta have grace. To get grace, ya gotta have faith. To keep faith, ya gotta do works. No works, no faith. No faith, no grace. No grace, no salvation. This is NOT to say that we are saved by works! Grace is a gift of God, which NO MAN can earn! But that gift is provided through faith in Christ Jesus. This, I believe (as will be shown by many of the passages below), must be a living faith, or else the channel (or conduit, if you will) for grace to flow is gone. It is not enough to simply believe in Christ. Consider this:

Rev. Bailey Smith, in his famous sermon on "Wheat and Tares" asks the following question: "What's the difference between Satan and a Christian? Does Satan believe the Bible? Every word of it! Does Satan believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Absolutely!" So where's the difference? Satan has not repented of his sins and turned his life around! That's where a Christian is (or must be) different. The initial faith and belief in Christ must be followed by repentance and living a godly life!

Your belief must be a living and active belief. The scriptures below cast serious doubt on the notion that "If I once believed in Jesus then regardless of what I believe now, I'll go to Heaven".

Okay, let's diagram the possible paths that can be taken:

The scriptures I cite below are intended to support the diagram above. I won't spend much time trying to support Paths A, B or D, since most would take these paths as "givens" and in need of no discussion (some of the scriptures will hit on these paths nonetheless). Where necessary, I've provided comments to enhance or explain the connection. Any emphasis added to the scriptures is mine. These scriptures are not presented in any particular order.

Scripture	Comments
6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. Heb 3:6 (NIV)
14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. 15 As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." 16 Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? 18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? 19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. Heb 3:14-19 (NIV)	Note on v. 19: we know from studying the Bible that the Israelites believed at one time. However, at this crucial juncture, their belief and their faith failed them. Past belief and faith was not enough to get them into the promised land.
2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 1 Cor 15:2 (NIV)
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. John 8:31 (NIV)
22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Col 1:22-23 (NIV)
6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. John 15:6 (NIV)
19 You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. 22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. Romans 11:19-22 (NIV)
20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. James 2:20-24 (NIV)
49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." Luke 6:49 (NIV)	Note: destruction is prevented by a living, active faith.
31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31 (NIV)	Note: one of the most frequently cited verses in support of eternal security. But the verse does not say "having believed", but by believing (active, living faith). Also, some early manuscripts, in place of the underlined "may", have "may continue to". This further supports the role of "continuing faith" and its continuing rewards.
8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Rev 21:8 (NIV)	Note: the (currently) unbelieving are destined for the lake of fire.
6 God "will give to each person according to what he has done." 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. Romans 2:6-8 (NIV)
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16 (NIV)	Note: present tense
26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Romans 3:26 (NIV)	Note: present tense
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Heb 11:6 (NIV)	Note: present tense
1 "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Rev 3:1-6 (NIV)
14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Heb 12:14 (NIV)	Note: without (current) holiness, no one can see the Lord, regardless of what they may have done in the past.
5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Eph 5:5-6 (NIV)	Note: there is no qualification in this verse. Any so-called Christian who does not also live the proper life can just as easily be judged based on his/her lifestyle. True repentance must be evident in the true Christian's life.
13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matt 5:13 (NIV)	Note: Christians are to be "salt" to the world. If we lose that (if we fail to be salt or fail to continue being salt), we become worthless.
4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6 if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Heb 6:4-6 (NIV)	Note: this is a passage that is particularly relevant to, and supporting of, the "giving back the gift" possibility. Such an action, a deliberate, willful rejection of the gift, is unforgivable. Could it be that the "sin that leads to death" (1 John 5:16), is, in fact, the actual, willful ACT of giving back the gift, of "evicting" the Holy Spirit, despite knowing the consequences?
22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matt 10:22 (NIV)
14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? James 2:14 (NIV)	Note: though the question is rhetorical, the obvious implication is that faith without deeds is not "saving faith".
10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Matt 3:10 (NIV)	Note: again, being fruitful has a direct impact on whether or not we end up in the fire.
10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 2 Peter 1:10 (NIV)	Note: James is speaking to "brothers", fellow Christians, advising them to do what must be done to make their election sure.
4 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4 (NIV)	Note: a profession of faith is not enough. Without the telltale signs of true regeneration (doing what is commanded), there is not "saving faith".
35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. 38 But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Heb 10:35-39 (NIV)	Note: perseverance is necessary to be saved. Those who "shrink back" (fall away) are destroyed. Those who believe (present tense) are saved.
1 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Heb 2:1 (NIV)
26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Heb 10:26-27 (NIV)
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matt 7:21 (NIV)
17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 2 Peter 3:17 (NIV)
62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62 (NIV)
16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Tim 4:16 (NIV)
24 See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 1 John 2:24 (NIV)
5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 2 Tim 2:5 (NIV)
11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 2 Tim 2:11-12 (NIV)
18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 2 Tim 2:18 (NIV)	Note: it is possible to wander away from the truth. It is also possible that the faith of others can be destroyed. Faith, having been initially achieved, is not a given to last strictly on its own.
10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, Matt 24:10 (NIV)
1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Heb 4:1 (NIV)
11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. Heb 4:11 (NIV)
8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him Heb 5:8-9 (NIV)
20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. Matt 13:20-21 (NIV)	Note: a perfect description of "initial faith" that does not grow to "saving faith". See contents frame for more exegesis on the parable of the sower.
9 Dear friends, even though we are talking like this, we really don't believe that it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. 10 For God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians, as you still do. 11 Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and patience. Heb 6:9-12 (NLT)
12 God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NLT)
19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Matt 7:19 (NLT)
19 My dear brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back again, 20 you can be sure that the one who brings that person back will save that sinner from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. James 5:19-20 (NLT)	Note: passage shows the possibility of wandering away from the truth (falling from faith), which leads to death. The passage also shows the importance of our job to watch after our brothers and sisters, and bring them back to the path of "saving faith", if they should wander.
20 And when people escape from the wicked ways of the world by learning about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up with sin and become its slave again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the right way to live than to know it and then reject the holy commandments that were given to them. 2 Peter 2:20-21 (NLT)
10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. Rev 2:10-11 (NIV)	Note: the requirement to be given the crown of life? Be faithful to the end (active, current)! Note: Who will not be hurt by the second death? He who overcomes!!
5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. Jude 1:5 (NIV)	Note: An early example shows that God saves (delivers), but destroys those who fall from belief.

How you choose to interpret the passages above, especially when taken in total, is up to you. As for me and my household J we are choosing to err on the side of caution. One thing appears certain: a Christian life which does not bear fruit (works) is evidence of a lack of saving faith. For everyone out there who is or knows someone that feels "secure", but does not show evidence of the Spirit-filled life, please take heed! A truly born-again Christian is truly repentant, and is filled with a burning desire for God's Word, for God's Works, and for fellowship with other Christians. Any "Christian" who does not show evidence of these things is quite possibly still lost, or lost again (depending on how you interpret the passages)! If it's you, look hard at your own heart. Don't take it for granted that just because you once believed, your are eternally secure! If it's someone you know and love, help them back to the path of saving faith. This latter situation is especially critical. You have more insight into your own heart than anyone except God Himself. And you know what you need to do. But please get this message out to those you know and love who may be resting on that "false assurance", because that's one of Satan's most powerful tools! Please show them these passages, in the hopes that they may awaken the Holy Spirit within them to action, and to the path of true, saving faith, lest they go too far, deliberately rejecting the Holy Spirit and evicting their only chance for Eternal Life.

To God be the glory!