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What About Eternal Security?

What About Eternal Security?

 

     No greater feeling exists than emerging from the waters of baptism to bask in the realization that God has forgiven your sins (Acts 22:16). To know you have been forgiven of sins, and possess salvation, is beautiful beyond words (2 Cor. 9:15). It is indeed possible to remain in that state of purity and never fall from God’s grace if one is diligent and steadfast (1 John 1:7). Where some err from God’s Word, though, is when they begin to believe the doctrine of eternal security.
    
      The term “eternal security” is never found in Scripture; but some religionists believe they find the doctrine on the Bible’s pages. Eternal security is the belief that once a person is saved from their sins, it is impossible for them to so sin as to finally be lost in hell. This doctrine is full of comfort; so full of comfort that no room remains for any truth. Let’s notice some principles and Scriptures that make this issue clear.
    
     Initially, we should realize that the Bible does not teach both the doctrine of eternal security and that one can fall from grace. The Bible was authored by God, and does not contradict itself--ever. This means: the Bible either teaches eternal security or the possibility of apostasy, but not both. If we find that Scripture teaches one, by default the other is excluded.
    
    Secondly, notice the wording of some New Testament passages. Paul, writing to Christians, said “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:4). This is plain and clear....some of these Christians had lost their salvation because they were returning to the Old Law.
 
    Again, notice Paul’s words to Christians in Rome: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13). This is a warning to people who had already been saved. See also Hebrews 4:1; 6:4-6 and James 5:19-20 for more proof.
 
    Sadly, those who pass through death’s door, believing the doctrine of eternal security, will receive a double shock on Judgment Day. Their first shock will come from realizing they are not saved (Matthew 7:21), and the second shock will come from learning that they never were saved (Matthew 7:23). The reason they never were saved is because they believed and obeyed the false doctrines (i.e., salvation by faith-alone, eternal security, etc.) taught by man-made churches. Let us be wise and spend our time studying, for ourselves, what the Bible really teaches (Acts 17:11).