The concept of eternal security, often referred to as “once saved, always saved,” is a theological belief that asserts once a person is genuinely saved, their salvation is secure and cannot be lost or forfeited, regardless of subsequent actions or behaviors.
It raises important questions about the nature of salvation and the assurance of a believer’s eternal destiny. While some embrace the doctrine of eternal security, others hold differing views on the matter.
Eternal Security Is Not Biblical
This doctrine of eternal security is not biblical have been a topic of significant debate among Christians, with various interpretations and understandings across different denominations and theological perspectives.
While some adhere to the idea of eternal security, it is important to critically examine the biblical foundation of this doctrine.
In this article, we will explore the biblical perspective on eternal security and consider alternative viewpoints that challenge the notion of an unbreakable assurance of salvation.
Understanding The Controversy
Proponents of eternal security argue that salvation is a work of God’s grace alone, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
They believe that once a person is genuinely born again, they become eternally secure in their salvation and cannot lose it, regardless of subsequent sins or shortcomings.
They often cite Bible verses such as John 10:28-29, Romans 8:38-39, and Ephesians 1:13-14 to support their position.
Challenging The Doctrine
However, there are passages in the Bible that present a different perspective on the security of salvation. These verses suggest the possibility of falling away from the faith or turning away from God.
For example, (Hebrews 6:4-6) warns about the danger of apostasy, where individuals who have tasted the goodness of God can, through deliberate rejection, fall away from salvation.
Similarly, (2 Peter 2:20-22) speaks of those who have escaped the defilements of the world but later return to their sinful ways, implying the potential loss of salvation.
The Role Of Personal Responsibility
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in the Christian walk. It calls believers to persevere, grow in faith, and actively pursue righteousness.
Verses such as Matthew 24:13, Hebrews 12:14, and 2 Peter 1:10 exhort believers to continue in faith, endure trials, and make their calling and election sure.
These passages suggest that our salvation is not solely determined by an initial profession of faith but also by a continual commitment to follow Christ.
Maintaining a Balanced View
While the Bible emphasizes God’s faithfulness and the security of believers in Christ, it also underscores the necessity of ongoing faith, repentance, and obedience.
Salvation is a dynamic process that involves both God’s grace and our active response. It is vital to maintain a balanced understanding of these biblical truths, avoiding extremes that undermine personal responsibility or negate God’s sovereignty.
In summary, while the concept of eternal security has gained popularity in certain theological circles, a careful examination of the biblical evidence reveals a more nuanced perspective.
While God’s grace is foundational to salvation, the Bible presents a clear call for believers to persevere in faith, actively pursue righteousness, and guard against falling away.
It is essential to approach this topic with humility, acknowledging that different Christians hold varying interpretations and recognizing the need for respectful dialogue and continued study of God’s Word.
Bible Verses On Eternal Security
The eternal security of the believer is a central theological concept found within various branches of Christianity.
It asserts that once a person genuinely accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior, their salvation is eternally secure and cannot be lost or forfeited.
This doctrine is rooted in the belief that God’s grace is unchanging, His redemptive work through Jesus Christ is complete, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit guarantees the believer’s eternal destiny.
John 3:16 (NIV) – God Loves Us
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 5:24 (NIV) – Hear The Word Of God
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
John 6:37 (NIV) – Follow Christ
“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
John 10:27-29 (NIV) – Christ Brought Us Eternal Life
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) – Love The Lord Your God
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV) – Have The Holy Spirit
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”
Philippians 1:6 (NIV) – Be Confident In Your God
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV) – Praise God At All Time
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
1 John 2:25 (NIV) – God Promised Us Eternal Life
“And this is what he promised us—eternal life.”
1 John 5:11-13 (NIV) – We Are a Living Testimony
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Jude 1:24-25 (NIV)- God Will Keep Us
“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.”
Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 46:1(NIV)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV)
“The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Mark 11:24 (NIV)
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Luke 11:9-10 (NIV)
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
James 1:5 (NIV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”
Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Bible Verses On Eternal Security Of The Believer
The concept of eternal security, also known as the perseverance of the saints or once saved, always saved, is a doctrine found in many branches of Christianity.
It refers to the belief that once a person has genuinely accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, they are eternally secure in their salvation and cannot lose it.
This assurance is based on the belief in God’s grace, the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
John 10:27-29 (NIV)
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
Ephesians 4:30 (NIV)
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
John 6:37 (NIV)
“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
Jude 1:24-25 (NIV)
“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
1 John 5:13 (NIV)
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
John 17:12 (NIV)
“While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.”
2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”
Romans 8:1 (NIV)
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
John 5:24 (NIV)
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
Colossians 3:3-4 (NIV)
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Hebrews 7:25 (NIV)
“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
1 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NIV)
“He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
John 3:16 (NIV)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
1 John 2:25 (NIV)
“And this is what he promised us—eternal life.”
1 John 3:9 (NIV)
“No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.”
Conclusion
The collection of Bible verses on eternal security underscores the profound assurance and confidence that believers can have in their relationship with God.
These verses reveal the unyielding love of God, the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit as guarantees of eternal salvation.
They assure us that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God, that we are securely held in the hands of Jesus, and that God is faithful to complete the work He has started in us.
These verses offer comfort, hope, and unwavering confidence in the unchangeable nature of God’s grace. As we reflect on these passages, we can find solace in knowing that our eternal security is grounded in the unshakable promises of God, who will never let us go.
