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©2001 Rev Paul R. Schmidtbleicher, ThM
God's Guarantee of Our Salvation
ETERNAL SECURITY

1. Definition:
Eternal security is the teaching of Scripture which concludes that once a person is saved, he is eternally saved and cannot lose his salvation

2. General Scriptural Evidences

*Psalm 37:23-24
Ps 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand. (NKJ)

==> God orders all of the steps of the Believer. If he falls, he shall not be "utterly cast down" (Lose salvation). The Lord Himself upholds him with his hand.


*John 10:27-29
John 10:27-29 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. (NKJ)

==> The Believer is one of God's sheep. God gives the Believer Eternal Life. The promise is that they will never perish. A further promise relates the fact that no one can pluck the Believer out of God's hand.


*Romans 8:29-39
Rom 8:29-39 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJ)

==> (1) A continuous chain from foreknowledge -> predestination -> called -> justified -> glorified. The chain is unbroken until all are glorified. (2) No charge can be laid to us causing loss of salvation (v.31-33). (3) The lord is continually making intercession for us (v.34). (4) Ultimately, God shows us that nothing can separate us from His love, even ourselves! This is GRACE! (v.35-39).


3. As God provided salvation for us when we were His enemies (Rom 5:8-10), our sins after salvation are handled by his much more love and care. Rom 8:32.

Rom 5:8-10 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (NKJ)
Compared with
Rom 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (NKJ)


4. Even if we do the worst after salvation and stop believing in the Lord, He will remain faithful. 2 Tim 2:12-13

2 Tim 2:12-13 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, he also will deny us. [In context the REWARD of reigning with Him]
13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful; he cannot deny Himself. (NKJ)


5. We are born into the family of God. Can we become unborn? Such is most unnatural Gal 3:26; Jn 1:12

Gal 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (NKJ)
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (NKJ)


6. God is greater than all of our sin and failures and is able to keep the Believer saved. 2 Pet 3:9 cp Jude 24

2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (NKJ)
Compared with
Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, (NKJ)


7. The Holy Spirit seals the salvation of every Believer 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30

2 Cor 1:22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (NKJ)
Eph 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (NKJ)
Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (NKJ)


8. Greek grammar of salvation: Greek Periphrastic of Eph 2:5, 8. Once we are saved in time past, the results of that salvation continues on permanently as seen in the actual construction of the Greek grammar.

Periphrastic=Perfect Participle + Present Tense of verb "to be"

Perfect           Present Continuous
X--------------+------------------------>
saved in       |   Results continue
time past   NOW

Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (NKJ) [Eternal life at salvation with continuing results]
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (NKJ)

[Saved at salvation with continuing results]


9. At salvation, we are placed into a spiritual union with Jesus Christ becoming a new creation or new species "in Christ." We cannot lose that relationship 2 Cor 5:17 cp Rom 8:38-39

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (NKJ)
Rom 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJ)


10. God promises an eternal inheritance at salvation. To lose that inheritance would compromise the Word of God 1 Pet 1:4-5.

1 Pet 1:4-5 [He has begotten us] to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (NKJ)


Therefore, since salvation is the total work of God in His Grace and a GIFT of God to man as per Ephesians 2:8-9

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJ)

It does not logically follow that man who has done no work to obtain salvation, must somehow work to maintain salvation. Salvation is a GIFT received by faith alone in Christ alone.

Those choosing not to walk with the Lord or abide in Him after salvation will suffer discipline in time (Hebrews 12:5-8)

Heb 12:5-8 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. (NKJ)

And loss of rewards for eternity (1 Cor 3:11-15)

1 Cor 3:11-15 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (NKJ)

Salvation is NOT LOST because it has ALWAYS BEEN the work of God. We are not involved, except for receiving the "Gift" by faith in Christ. The major objections are answered in the right column.






The Conclusion: There is so much more to the Christian Life than a constant worry of losing salvation. God Himself has secured it and we are guaranteed future glory by His Grace. Let us trust Him for a completed salvation and move on to SERVE, avoiding the discipline of disobedience, and seeking out the "gold, silver, and precious stones of reward.
ETERNAL SECURITY OBJECTIONS

1. Eternal Security gives a license to sin.

==>Those who feel this way want a club to hold over the heads of Believers. The real "club" is not loss of salvation, but loss of reward.
==>If one continually lives in sin, he has very possibly never believed in Christ. (1 Jn 3:9)

I Jn 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin,{Original Greek here is continually sinning] for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. (NKJ)


==>Discipline for sinning, out of fellowship, and non-abiding Believers is often heavy and actually an assurance of salvation. This is often overlooked (Heb 12:5-11)

Heb 12:5-11 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (NKJ)

==>Scripture teaches that GRACE exists, but does not give ANY License to sin (Rom 6:1-2)

Rom 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? (NKJ)


2. Eternal Security destroys motivation for Christian Service.

==>The Christian Way of Life (Our "abiding" in Christ) and Salvation are two different phases of God's Plan. Salvation is the door of entrance. The Christian Way of Life involves our walk as sons and daughters of the Lord.

==>The Believer is urged to serve, not to keep salvation, but because it is a secure possession as a GIFT from God. (2 Cor 5:14)

2 Cor 5:14 For the love of Christ compels us,[to serve the Lord] because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; (NKJ)

==>Concern about losing salvation is actually a hindrance to serving the Lord because of constant concern about losing the GIFT which the Lord has given freely based upon His Grace and our acceptance by FAITH (Eph 2:8-9).

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJ)


3. Saul is used as an example of a Believer who lost his salvation.

==>Saul is first pictured as being saved (1 Sam 10:7,9-10)

1 Sam 10:7 "And let it be, when these signs come to you, that you do as the occasion demands; for God is with you. (NKJ)
1 Sam 10:9-10 So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day. 10 When they came there to the hill, there was a group of prophets to meet him; then the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. (NKJ)

==>The misfortune of Saul was not the loss of his salvation but severe discipline as a Believer for disobedience (1 Sam 28:18-19)

1 Sam 28:18-19 "Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD nor execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore the LORD has done this thing to you this day. 19 "Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines." (NKJ)

==>Saul died as a Believer a sin unto death (1 Sam 31:3-4; 1 Jn 5:16)

1 Sam 31:3-4 The battle became fierce against Saul. The archers hit him, and he was severely wounded by the archers. 4 Then Saul said to his armorbearer, "Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and thrust me through and abuse me." But his armorbearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it. (NKJ)
I Jn 5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. (NKJ)


4. Judas is presented as another example of one losing his salvation.

==>Judas was never saved (Jn 6:70-71; 13:10-11)

John 6:70-71 Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve. (NKJ)
John 13:10-11 Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." 11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, "You are not all clean." (NKJ)


5. PASSAGES seemingly contradicting the truth of Eternal Security

MATTHEW 24:13
Matt 24:13 "But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (NKJ)
Problem: Endure to be saved

==>The context is the Tribulation, the time of great judgment on earth. Those enduring to the end are delivered out of Tribulation and into the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ. It is not salvation.

==>Endurance is only a proof of salvation as per 1 Jn 2:19. Some who do not endure were never saved.

I Jn 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. (NKJ)


JOHN 15:2, 6
John 15:2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (NKJ)
John 15:6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. (NKJ)
Problem: those without fruit by not abiding in the vine are destroyed.

==>This is the chastisement of the believer not bearing fruit as in 1 Cor 5:5, the body is destroyed (Sin Unto Death), but the soul is preserved.

1 Cor 5:5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (NKJ)

==>It is equivalent to the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor 3:15) where useless works are burned while the person is saved

1 Cor 3:15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (NKJ)
.
==>Christian Living is "abiding in Christ" and those cast forth are not in Christ but actually are "tares" masquerading as "wheat" and are unsaved.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10 (REV 22:15)
1 Cor 6:9-10 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (NKJ)
Rev 22:15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (NKJ)
Problem: The Characteristic Continuing Sins of Some

==>The list of sins represents a life that is constantly characterized by these things, not point action sins such as David, Moses, etc.. Such are unbelievers. If believers continue in such sins. they will not INHERIT in the kingdom of God (rewards). It says nothing about ENTERING the Kingdom of God as when Jesus invited for salvation in Matthew 5:20 and other places.

Matt 5:20 "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. (NKJ)


HEBREWS 6:4-8
Heb 6:4-8 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. (NKJ)

==>In context, these are Jewish Believers having been taught the Basics of Biblical Doctrine 6:1-2 (Babes 5:11-14) and now must go onward (6:3). However, they are continuing in the "old" ritual animal sacrifices

Basic Doctrines Being Taught: Heb 6:1-2 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (NKJ)

These are "Baby" Believers Heb 5:11-14 of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (NKJ)

They need to Mature Heb 6:3 And this we will do if God permits. (NKJ)

==>But for those learning the Basics, tasting of the joys of their salvation and the Word of God (6:4-5), if they RETREAT BACK TO JUDAISM (Crucify Christ afresh via feasts, animal sacrifices etc.), they cannot rebuild the basic foundation (repentance, faith, etc), as long as they continue in the feasts & rituals (6:6)

==>to "fall away" is not to fall from salvation but from accurate Bible Doctrine.

==>6:7 Blessing is obtained by receiving the Word of God

==>6:8 Rejection of the Word of God is the basis divine discipline and the burning of their Dead Works (i.e. Wood, hay, & Stubble of 1 Corinthians 3:11ff.)

==> The entire context is NOT salvation. It is teaching that is being rejected by believers "dull of hearing." Their works: (A return to Jewish rituals) are DEAD.


JAMES 2:14-26
James 2:14-26 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-- and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (NKJ)
Problem: Faith without Works

==>James emphasizes that real faith will produce fruit at some point. Its absence means to question the faith to begin with!

==>This is vastly different from the view that FAITH + WORKS = SALVATION which is wrong.

==>James is saying that if you have a living faith in Jesus Christ, the normal result of that faith will be works. The works justify or PROVE the faith. Works in themselves are not enough as salvation is by FAITH and not works (Eph 2:8-9)
Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJ)

==>A Faith that has no works is probably a DEAD FAITH to begin with! One who is living without works better question whether they have a living faith.



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