The doctrine of “Once Saved, Always Saved,” also known as the perseverance of the saints, presents a theological viewpoint that has stirred much debate and contemplation within Christian circles.
At its core, this doctrine posits that once a person has achieved salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, this state of grace is permanent and cannot be lost.
This belief hinges on the conviction that salvation is an act of divine grace, not contingent on human deeds, and thus, it is God who guarantees the eternal security of the believer.
Proponents of this doctrine often cite scriptures such as John 10:28-29, where Jesus says, “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.” This passage is interpreted as an assurance from Jesus that those who are His cannot be lost, emphasizing the omnipotence and sovereignty of God in the salvation process.
However, this perspective is not without its challengers. Critics argue that this doctrine can lead to a complacent or antinomian attitude towards faith, where the moral and ethical teachings of Christianity are downplayed or ignored.
They assert that the New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, consistently emphasizes the need for ongoing faith, repentance, and righteous living as integral aspects of a Christian’s life.
Verses such as Hebrews 6:4-6 and 2 Peter 2:20-22 are often cited by opponents of “Once Saved, Always Saved,” suggesting that it is possible for believers to fall away from their faith.
These passages speak of the grave consequences of turning away after having received the knowledge of the truth or having escaped the world’s corruption through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior.
The debate over “Once Saved, Always Saved” ultimately revolves around the intricate balance between divine grace and human responsibility in the process of salvation. It raises profound questions about the nature of faith, the role of free will, and the character of God in Christian theology.
Regardless of where one stands on this issue, the discussion invites a deeper exploration of the Christian faith, encouraging believers to seek a more comprehensive understanding of their spiritual journey and relationship with God.
here are five key Bible verses that are often referenced concerning this topic:
- John 10:28-29 – “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.” This verse is frequently cited to support the idea of eternal security in salvation.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage highlights salvation as a gift of grace, not a result of human effort, underscoring the permanence of God’s grace.
- Romans 8:38-39 – “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.” This verse emphasizes the unbreakable bond between the believer and God’s love through Christ.
- Hebrews 6:4-6 – “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance.” This is a key verse for those who argue against “Once Saved, Always Saved,” suggesting the possibility of falling away from faith.
- 2 Peter 2:20-22 – “If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.” This passage is also used to challenge the idea of eternal security, indicating the danger of returning to sinful ways after having known the way of righteousness.
These verses collectively capture the essence of the theological debate surrounding the doctrine of “Once Saved, Always Saved,” presenting both supporting and opposing viewpoints from the Scriptures.
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Here is A Great New Way to Read Your Bible!
A new Bible reading program has been released which approaches the Bible in a new and unique way than most people are used to. It offers the reader an opportunity to read all of the way through the Bible – to do it chronologically – and to do it in just a year! For people who have never done that, which includes the vast majority of people, it offers them a chance to stand out in their peer groups, and to satisfy their deep desire to please the God they serve.
It is a known fact that:
Less than 10% of all Christians have ever read the Bible all of the way through. Many have never even considered doing it, or thought it was not attainable for them.
This is a refreshing approach to the Bible. It may become the standard for this way of approaching the Bible.
