Sunday, August 2, 2009

Once Saved, Always Saved!?

I am a firm believer in eternal security. Personally, I base my belief in Jesus's words: "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them from my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them from my Father’s hand." I believe, "no one" would include myself also. Salvation is a gift given to us by God, and the Bible never even hints that he would take it back. Romans 8 is a classic study on that.

However, I do not believe in the Free Grace flavor of this important doctrine. I hold to the traditional, Reformed view. Free Grace teaches that assurance of salvation is solely based on the promises of God's Word, and not on our righteous living. The traditional view teaches that righteous living, along with the promises of the Bible, is a sign of sure salvation. Though I believe a Christian can be carnal, I believe one needs to examine herself, particularly if she has no desire whatsoever for righteous living.

So, I really believe in Perseverance of the Saints, doctrinally. But, I choose Eternal Security, as a term. Perseverance, to me, somehow sounds as if I am desperately clinging onto His hands. Eternal Security, as a term, sounds just right for me, especially when I take Jesus at his word.

Now, what is your take?

1 comment:

  1. There are lot of Biblical references supporting Eternal Security of Salvation (“Once Saved, Always Saved”) as well as on condemning rebellious sinful living, after accepting (believing) Jesus Christ sincerely.
    There is no Biblical yardstick to say how many or what kind of sins are enough to make our salvation invalid.
    The doctrine of losing our salvation is not only unscriptural, but it creates problems with other doctrines, including salvation by faith, the sin nature of man, and the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice.
    The irony is Christ says anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.(Math 5:28). If we lost our salvation every time we look at a woman fell short of those ideals, then none of us would be saved for more than a few minutes at a time. I am of the opinion whether you are a preacher or any ordinary creature, we all sail in the same boat. Come on let us talk facts and be transparent.
    We all know of Justification, Sanctification and Glorification. The question of ‘Eternal Security of Salvation’ is disputed much. All quote scriptural references to prove their points. I emphasize again that the doctrine of losing our salvation is not only unscriptural, but it creates problems with other doctrines, including salvation by faith, the sin nature of man, and the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice.
    As of now, I am the worst sinner because of what I am and a perfect saint because of Jesus! Cheers!!

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