​"Eternally Secure"
by Dr. Charlie Bing
(GraceNotes #24) ​

In this excellent article, Dr. Charlie Bing of Grace Life Ministries, explains what the Bible has to say about a believer's eternal and everlasting salvation and why it can never be lost.

Can a person once saved ever lose or forfeit that salvation? The Bible answers "No." A person who is once saved remains saved throughout eternity... The Bible teaches eternal security [i.e., that a person can never lose their salvation] in many different ways.

The Bible speaks with certainty about the possession of a new life based solely upon faith in Christ as Savior. John 3:1-16; John 5:24; John 10:28; John 20:31. The Bible refers to this life as "eternal" which means forever and implies no interruption. John 10:28; John 11:25-26. Since salvation by grace essentially means that it is a gift, then it is an unconditional gift which does not depend on a person's works, conduct, or condition after salvation. Romans 3:24; 4:5; Ephesians 2:8-9.

The Bible teaches that God's predestining purpose and initial justification result in eventual glorification without exception for every believer. Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:4-5. The Bible presents eternal salvation as a legal and binding relationship with God that cannot be separated by anyone (including ourselves) or anything. Romans 8:1, Romans 8: 31-39. The Bible presents eternal salvation as an irrevocable filial [family] relationship to the Father by adoption which results in eternal blessings. John 17:3; Romans 8:15-17; Galatians 3:26.

We are sealed with the Holy Spirit, Who guarantees our glorification. 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30. We are kept secure by the power of both the Father and the Son. John 10:28-30; John 17:9-12; Jude 1:24. Since all of our sins (past, present, future) are forgiven by Jesus Christ and His eternally sufficient sacrifice, there is no sin that can cause us to lose our relationship to Him. Colossians 2:13-14; Hebrews 10:12-14. The intercessory prayers of Jesus Christ and His advocacy when we sin guarantee that our salvation will be completed eternally. John 17:9-12, John 17:24; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1

The Bible speaks of salvation in the passive voice, which indicates that the causality [the cause] is not with us, but with God; therefore it is based upon His work not ours. Ephesians 2:5, 2:8&9, 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 1 Timothy 2:4. The Bible demonstrates by example (Abraham, David, Israel, etc.) and by precept that God is faithful to His eternal promises even when we are not. Psalm 89:30-37; Romans 3:3-4; 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:13

Denying eternal security [as many people do] presents many problems, such as: How much sin or which sins forfeit salvation? How many times can a person be born again? Is there no degree of intimacy with God beyond mere acceptance or rejection by Him? Is there no consequence for a believer's sin other than Hell? If a person believes in Christ and is saved, but sins and loses that salvation, then what is left to believe that he has not already believed? A condition other than faith alone becomes necessary. It is easy to see that without eternal security, assurance becomes impossible and there is no solid foundation for Christian growth.  [Yes, denying eternal security presents many, many problems.]

There are a number of Bible passages commonly cited by those who do not believe in eternal security. It would be impossible to address them all here individually. When interpreted consistently and correctly, each of these passages can be understood in a way that harmonizes with eternal security. First, they must be interpreted faithful to the context which considers the eternal state of the readers and the purpose of the author. Second, they must be consistent with the over-arching plan of God to bless us eternally by His grace. Third, they must harmonize with the consistent teaching of justification by grace through faith alone apart from works or any other merit. Fourth, some of these passages are referring to the loss of reward, not loss of eternal life. Fifth, some of these passages are conditions for discipleship, not eternal life.

The most common objection to eternal security is that it is a convenient excuse to sin. After all, the objector would say, if a person is guaranteed eternal life, then he can do whatever he wants without fear of consequence. But this argument is weak for a number of reasons. First, an argument from a hypothetical or real (though rare) experience, does not determine the truthfulness of a doctrine. Second, while some who hold to eternal security may sin and excuse it, the same is true for those who reject eternal security. Third, the nature of salvation by grace is that it teaches the believer to deny ungodliness and to live for God (Titus 2:11-12). Fourth, new birth results in a new person with a new capacity for spiritual things. There is a new relationship with God (Romans 6:1-5), a new freedom not to sin (Romans 6:6-14), a new life (Romans 6:11; Ephesians 2:1), and a new perspective and orientation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Fifth, the Bible teaches that there are severe consequences and loss of rewards for believers who live sinfully (1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10), which is one motivation to live a godly life.

The eternal security of the believer (the objective reality that one possesses eternal life) is a separate issue from the assurance of the believer (the subjective realization that one possesses eternal life). However, if one does not believe in eternal security, then inevitably there will be occasions when that person loses his assurance. There are also those who may profess to know Christ as Savior, but they do not possess eternal life and therefore have no eternal security and only a false assurance. The doctrine of the eternal security of the believer in Christ ultimately rests in the character [and promise] of God who is faithful to His Word, and also in the freeness of His grace.

["For by God's undeserved kindness and grace, you have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ alone. This does not come from yourself or anything you do. It is the free gift of God's mercy, given without cost to those who don't work for it and who understand that they don't deserve it and have absolutely no ability to earn it." Ephesians 2:8&9 (expanded paraphrase) ]     

This article (GraceNotes #24) was written by Dr. Charlie Bing of Grace Life Ministries. You can read more of Dr. Bings excellent articles at www.gracelife.org  GraceNotes are designed for downloading and copying so they can be used in ministry. No permission is required if they are distributed unedited at no charge.

To listen to an in-depth audio or video series about this subject by Dr. John Clark of Grace Community Fellowship, Go to gracenewnan.org 

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