Once Saved, Always Saved? |
This very popular doctrine teaches that when a person believes and is saved, it is then impossible for him to be lost.
Those who oppose this view often charge that this means that once a person is saved, it doesn’t matter what they do-they can do what they like. They are saved. The “Once saved, always saved’ school would counter that a person who went out and did what they knew was wrong, obviously hadn’t been saved in the first place. The issue simply stated is: “Can a saved man be lost?” We will study first the teachings of Jesus on this subject, then examine the testimony of the rest of Scripture, and finally re-examine the main texts on which “Once saved, always saved is based. THE TEACHING OF JESUS a/ The Parable of the Sower Luke 8:4-15 In this parable, Jesus describes four classes of people who hear the gospel message. Of particular interest is the seed that fell on the rock. Note Jesus interpretation in verse 13; b/ The Parable of the ungrateful servant Matthew l8: 21-35
c/ The Parable of the Vine and the Branches John 15:1-l7
In this illustration, Jesus emphasises the importance of abiding or remaining in him. v.4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10. See also 1 John 5:1, 2,11,12. Advocates of Once saved, always saved have found themselves hard pressed to interpret John 15:1-6. Reading their comments on this passage, one is reminded of the words on the sign over the old blacksmiths shop: “All kinds of fancy twisting and turning done here”. d/ The Parable of the ten virgins Matthew 25 :1-13
OTHER SCRIPTURES a/ Ezekiel 33:l2-20 Romans 3:10 -No one is righteous. We understand Ezekiel to mean a saved man. b/ Romans 11:17-24 In this illustration of an olive tree, some branches have been broken off and others grafted in.
d/ Galatians 1:6 -Is it possible to desert before enlisting? e/ Galatians 5:2 – 4 Falling can only occur after grace has been experienced. f/ Ephesians 4:30 Before the Holy Spirit can be grieved, He must be received. g/ 1 Timothy 4:1, 2; 5:17 -some will abandon the faith (4:16 you must persevere) h/ 2 Peter 2:18-22 -Is it possible for a person who has escaped the corruption in the world by knowing Jesus to turn their backs on him and go back? i/ Hebrews 3 :12-14 Notice the “if” (also 6:11,12; j/ Colossians 1:21-23 Saved if…. MAIN TEXTS FOR ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED -Is this passage talking about pressures from without or the choice of the individual? b/ John 10:25-30 The question here is of enemies from without, not the unfaithfulness of the sheep! c/ John 5:24 Please underline has eternal life say the advocates of Once Saved, Always Saved. True, but also underline “whoever hears and believes..”. Eternal life is on the basis of hearing and believing. Wuest: “He who habitually hears my word and is believing”. d/ John 6:39, 40 While it is God’s will that all who believe be saved, it is also true that he is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). But there is a vast difference between God’s perfect will and his permissive will. -man’s freedom to act -and his consequent responsibility cannot be abrogated. Note Jesus Prayer in John 17:12. IS OUR SALVATION SECURE? The only person who is unsure of salvation is the one who is trying to make it on his own, with his own deeds, without a surrender in faith of the life to God. “This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. Life is not in us. We must have it from God. He wants to have us. If any man falls, it is not from want of Divine power, nor from the overwhelming power of the adversary, but from his neglect to use that which he may use. The creature must touch God or die. Back to Bible Study Index |
2017-06-29