Once Saved Always Saved?

By: Brian A. Yeager

Many people want to believe that once they have been saved they cannot fall away from that salvation. While that thought may be a pleasant thought it is not an accurate one. For something to be biblically accurate it has to have biblical fact to support it. This theory does not have that biblical support.

A verse that just flat out denies this theology appears in the epistle written by the inspired Apostle Paul (II Timothy 3:16) to the churches of Galatia. (Galatians 5:4) "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." Dear reader: if someone is always saved after they have obtained salvation, how then can they fall from grace? Remember to fall from something you must have had it! Now, we are going to list some passages that are impossible for advocates of this doctrine to answer. (Hebrews 6:4-8) "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned." Notice the terms "fall and away". Is that not possible since God says it is? Why are we told to be sober and vigilant because our adversary is a roaring lion seeking to whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8)? If we are saved and cannot fall, why fear? Why are we told to take heed lest we fall (I Corinthians 10:12)? Peter tells us to make our election sure. Now, why would you make something sure that cannot fail? (II Peter 1:10-11) "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." The Hebrew writer tells us that we can be hardened by sin. Hebrews 3:12-15 "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation."

How about an advocate of this doctrine explaining how Christians fell away and needed to repent? The Church of the Ephesians were told to repent (Revelation 2:1-5). The Church at Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17). The Church at Sardis was also told to repent (Revelation 3:1-6). The Laodiceans were told that they were lukewarm and they needed to repent (Revelation 3:14-22). Then we have Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:5-24, whom received salvation and wanted to buy the ability to perform miracles. He had to repent or perish as the Bible teaches clearly (Luke 13:3;5). Why would a person advocate this doctrine so ignorantly when the Bible teaches otherwise? I believe the answer is found in this verse: (Matthew 22:14) "For many are called, but few are chosen." See the following passages as well: (Romans 8:12-13, James 5:19-20, I Timothy 4:1-3, and I John1:7-10).

One other thing to remember about salvation. There are many that think they have been saved but really the Lord never knew them (Matthew 7:21-23). There is a narrow and restricted gate to enter into Heaven (Matthew 7:13-14). The Ephesians thought they had it, but were corrected (Acts 19:1-5). Be sure of your salvation. Know that the Church is where salvation is (Ephesians 5:23). The Church is not some universal entity that is made up of all believers, it is the Church of Christ (Romans 16:16, Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 4:4;1:22-23, and Colossians 1:18). Have you been saved? Repent if you are falling away. Judgment will be on those whom obey not the Gospel of Jesus Christ (II Thessalonians 1:8-9). Do not be of the many, but be of the few!



Food For Thought

Proverbs 16:17-20 "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he."
 

Copyright 2001 by Brian Yeager may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others. www.christianlibrary.org


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