Page 240 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

ETERNAL SECURITY

10:38-39). Eternal security is denied by many Christian but to salvation (1 Th. 5:9); eternal inheritance (He.
groups, particularly most Pentecostals and many 9:15); incorruptible inheritance (1 Pe. 1:4).
Charismatics. For example, the doctrinal statement of How do we know these blessings cannot be lost? (1)
the Assemblies of God, article 8, section 1, states: “The The blessings of salvation cannot be lost because of the
General Council of the Assemblies of God disapproves of nature of salvation: Salvation is eternal (Jn. 3:16, 36);
the unconditional security position which holds that it is salvation is a present possession (Ro. 5; 1 Pe. 2:24-25);
impossible for a person once saved to be lost.” salvation is by imputation and substitution (2 Co. 5:17;
How can we be sure that the believer is eternally Ga. 2:20; He. 9:10; Ro. 3:24); salvation is positional
secure? (1) Because of the terms used to describe (Ep. 1:3 - “in Christ”; Ro. 6:7; Col. 2:10; 3:1-4, 12);
salvation: “eternal life” (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 5:11); “full salvation is not of human merit; it is a free gift of grace
a s s u r a n c e ” ( H e . 6 : 1 1 ; C o l . 2 : 2 ) ; “ s t r o n g which cannot be mixed with works (Ep. 2:8-9; Tit.
consolation” (He. 6:18); “hope ... sure and 3:3-7; Ro. 3:19-28; 4:4-5; 11:6). (2) The blessings of
stedfast” (He. 6:19). (2) Because of what we are. All of salvation cannot be lost because of the results of
the following are spoken of in the present tense; this is salvation: Eternal life (Jn. 3:16); justification (Ro. 5:1;
the present condition of each true believer: Forgiven 3:19-28); peace with God (Ro. 5:1); sure possession of
(Ro. 4:7; 1 Jn. 2:12); justified (Ro. 5:1, 9; Tit. 3:7) ; future glory (Ro. 5:2; Col. 3:1-4); salvation from future
reconciled (Ro. 5:10); risen with Christ (Ro. 6:3-6; Col. wrath (Ro. 5:9); raised up with Christ (Ro. 6); blessed
3:1-2); a child of God forever (Ro. 8:15; Ga. 4:4-7; 1 Jn. with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ep. 1:3); sealed
3:1); sanctified in Christ (1 Co. 1:2); new creation (2 with the Holy Spirit (Ep. 4:30); passed from darkness to
Co. 5:17); accepted in the beloved (Ep. 1:6); saved (Ep. light (Col. 1:12-14). (3) The blessings of salvation
2:8-9; 2 Ti. 1:9); light in the Lord (Ep. 5:8); made fit for cannot be lost because of the teaching of election:
heaven (Col. 1:12); complete in Christ (Col. 2:10); Election does not destroy human responsibility (2 Th.
citizens of heaven (Ph. 3:20); children of light (1 Th. 2:10-13; Ac. 13:46, 48), but election does promise
5:5); elect of God (1 Pe. 1:2); born again (1 Pe. 1:2, security for the believer (Ro. 8:28-39; Ep. 1; 1 Pe.
23); sanctified once for all (He. 10:10); perfected 1:2-7). (4) The blessings of salvation cannot be lost
forever (He. 10:14); passed from death unto life (1 Jn. because the Bible says if the believer’s works burn up he
3:14). (3) Because of where we are: In God’s family will still be saved (1 Co. 3:15). (5) The blessings of
(Ga. 3:26; 1 Jn. 3:2); brought near (Ep. 2:13); in the salvation cannot be lost because of the believer’s union
heavenlies with Christ (Ep. 2:5-6); translated into the with Christ. The believing sinner is placed “in Christ”
kingdom of God’s dear Son (Col. 1:13). (4) Because of and stands or falls with Christ. In Ephesians 1-3 the
what we have: Eternal life (Jn. 3:16); peace with God phrase “in Christ” is mentioned 25 times. See also Col.
(Ro. 5:1); an Intercessor in heaven (Ro. 8:34); all 1:14; He. 9:10; 1 Pe. 1:18-23; 2:6, 24-25.
spiritual blessings (Ep. 1:3); forgiveness of sins (Ep. 1:7; Does Eternal Security mean that anyone who professes
Col. 1:14; 2:13); sealing of the Holy Spirit (Ep. Christ is saved? (1) Salvation demands repentance (Lk.
1:12-14); access to God (Ep. 2:18); everlasting 13:3-5; Ac. 2:38-42; 17:30-31). Repentance means a
consolation (2 Th. 2:16); eternal glory (2 Ti. 2:10); change of mind resulting in a change of life (2 Co.
eternal redemption (He. 9:12); mercy (1 Pe. 2:10); an 7:8-11). The person who has never changed his mind
Advocate with the Father (1 Jn. 2:1-2). (5) Because of about God, sin, Christ, the Bible, etc., and who has
what is past: condemnation (Jn. 5:24); the law of sin never shown evidence of this in his life, has never
and death (Ro. 8:2); death and wrath (Col. 3:3; Ro. repented and is not saved. The Thessalonian believers
6:11; 1 Th. 5:9); night and darkness (1 Th. 5:5). (6) showed true repentance (1 Th. 1:9-10). (2) Salvation
Because of God’s promises: never perish (Jn. 10:27-28); requires the new birth, and the new birth always
never die (Jn. 11:26); the glory of God (Ro. 5:2, this changes a man’s life (2 Co. 5:17-21; Mt. 18:3-4; Jn.
speaks of Christ’s kingdom glory); saved from wrath 3:1-18; 1 Jn. 3:10; 3 Jn. 11). (3) The evidence of
(Ro. 5:9), glorious liberty of the children of God (Ro. salvation is perseverance in the faith (Jn. 10:27-28; Col.
8:21); redemption of the body (Ro. 8:23-24; Ph. 3:21); 1:21-23; He. 3:12-14; 10:38-39; 1 Jn. 2:19; 3:3).
predestinated to be conformed to the image of Christ According to these Scriptures, the person who is born
(Ro. 8:28-29); cannot be separated from God’s love (Ro. again will continue in faith in Christ. Those who turn
8:31-39); God shall confirm you unto the end (1 Co. away prove that they did not have saving faith. (4)
1:8); He that hath begun a good work in you will Saving faith always produces good works (Ep. 2:8-10;
perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Ph. 1:6); shall He. 11:4, 7-8; Ja. 2:14-26). If a person claims to have
appear with Christ in glory (Col. 3:3-4); delivered from faith in Christ, but his life does not reflect the works of
the wrath to come (1 Th. 1:10); not appointed to wrath Christ, that person does not have saving faith.

240 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity