Why "Once Saved, Always Saved" Is Not Biblical: A Scriptural Examination
"Once Saved, Always Saved" (OSAS) is a doctrine that posits that once people have accepted Christ, they are eternally secure in their salvation, regardless of their subsequent actions or beliefs. While this concept offers comfort to many, it is crucial to scrutinize its biblical validity. This article aims to explore why OSAS is not aligned with the teachings of the Bible and to provide scriptural references that support this stance.
The Nature of Salvation
According to the Bible, salvation is a process that involves justification (being declared righteous), sanctification (made holy), and glorification (being perfected in Christ). It is initiated by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) but requires ongoing commitment and growth.
The Misinterpretation of Eternal Security
While the Bible assures believers of their security in Christ (John 10:28-29), this assurance is contingent on continued faith and obedience (Colossians 1:23). Eternal security should not be confused with unconditional security.
The concept of eternal security, also known as "once saved, always saved," is a topic of considerable debate within Christianity. It revolves around the question of whether a person who has been saved can lose their salvation. While the Bible offers assurance to believers about their security in Christ, it is essential to understand this assurance in the context of continued faith and obedience.
Assurance in Christ:
The Bible provides assurance to believers about their security in Christ. For example, John 10:28-29 states, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father's hand." These verses emphasize the protective power of God over His followers, suggesting that their salvation is secure in His hands. However, we can jump or leave His hands. If we willfully choose to disobey, we have left His hands by doing so and choosing.
Contingent on Continued Faith and Obedience:
However, this assurance of security is contingent on continued faith and obedience. Colossians 1:23 states, "Provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel you heard." This verse indicates that the assurance of salvation is conditional upon persevering in faith and not abandoning the hope of the gospel.
Similarly, other passages in the New Testament highlight the importance of enduring faith and remaining obedient to God's commands. For instance, Hebrews 3:14 states, "For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end."
Misinterpretation of Eternal Security:
The misinterpretation of eternal security arises when individuals assume that once they are saved, they are unconditionally secure regardless of their subsequent actions or beliefs. This view can lead to complacency, a lack of accountability, and a misunderstanding of the biblical call to perseverance and holiness.
The biblical concept of eternal security should not be confused with unconditional security. While God's grace is powerful and His hold on believers is secure, the New Testament also warns against falling away from the faith. It encourages believers to remain faithful and obedient.
In summary, the Bible's assurance of eternal security is not a license for complacency but a call to continued faithfulness and obedience. Believers are informed to persevere in their faith, knowing their security in Christ is contingent upon their ongoing commitment and obedience to Him.
Biblical Warnings Against Apostasy
The Scriptures are replete with warnings against falling away from the faith. For instance, Hebrews 6:4- 6 cautions against the impossibility of renewing to repentance those who have once tasted the heavenly gift and then fallen away. Similarly, 2 Peter 2:20- 22 warns that it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
The Role of Faith and Obedience in Salvation
In the NT it emphasizes that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). True faith is evidenced by obedience and a transformed life (Galatians 5:6).
The role of faith and obedience in salvation is a significant theme in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of James and Paul. Faith and obedience are integral to the Christian understanding of salvation and are often seen as two sides of the same coin.
Faith as the Foundation:
Faith is central to salvation in Christian theology. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast." This passage highlights that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not a result of human efforts, works, or traditions of men as the Pharisees or religious leaders as in context or of the mosaic law.
Faith trusts in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the world's Savior. It involves acknowledging one's sinfulness, repenting, and believing in Christ's death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. It also emphasizes walking obediently and striving to enter by the narrow gate. We are to hold to the moral law; Christ came to fulfill and not destroy the law, and therefore, His law is more significant, which is the moral law.
Obedience as Evidence of Faith:
While faith is the foundation of salvation, the New Testament also emphasizes the importance of obedience as evidence of true faith. James 2:26 states, "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead." This verse suggests that faith, if not accompanied by actions or works, is not genuine. True faith naturally leads to a transformed life characterized by obedience to God's commands.
Galatians 5:6 further supports this idea: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love." This passage indicates that the external religious rituals (like circumcision in this context) are not what matters but rather a faith that expresses itself through love and obedience.
Balancing Faith and Works:
The concept of faith and works has been debated throughout Christian history. It's important to understand that works or obedience are not the means of salvation but are the natural outflow of genuine faith. A person is saved by faith and obedience, but that saving faith is always accompanied by a transformed life that produces good works.
In summary, faith and obedience are crucial in the Christian understanding of salvation. Faith is how one receives salvation, and obedience is the evidence of that genuine faith. Both are necessary for a complete and authentic Christian life.
The Danger of Licentiousness
Scripture condemns using grace as a license to sin. Jude 1:4 warns against those who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality. Believers are called to live holy lives, not to abuse their freedom in Christ (1 Peter 1:16).
Scriptures That Challenge "Once Saved, Always Saved"
Passages such as Hebrews 10:26-27 state that if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, which challenges the OSAS doctrine. Similarly, 2 Peter 2:20-22 speaks of the real danger of falling away after escaping the world's ways through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Importance of Endurance in the Christian Life
Jesus Himself emphasized the need for endurance, stating that the one who endures to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13). The book of Revelation also repeatedly calls for perseverance (Revelation 2:10).
The Assurance of Salvation
While believers can have the assurance of their salvation (1 John 5:13), this assurance is based on a living faith, evidenced by a holiness lifestyle and obedience (1 John 2:3-6).
Common Arguments for "Once Saved, Always Saved"
Proponents of OSAS often cite passages like John 10:28-29 or Romans 8:38-39. However, these verses affirm the security of those who remain in Christ, not those who turn away from Him.
The Impact of "Once Saved, Always Saved" on Christian Living
The belief in OSAS can lead to complacency and a lackadaisical approach to spiritual growth and moral living. It undermines the biblical call to seek out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
Practical Implications for Believers
Believers are urged to be diligent in their faith, to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18), and to hold fast to their confession (Hebrews 4:14).
The practical implications of the concepts discussed above significantly affect believers' daily lives. Understanding the importance of continued faith and obedience and the proper interpretation of eternal security calls for active and diligent discipleship.
Diligence in Faith:
Believers are urged to be diligent in their faith, which means being intentional and earnest in their relationship with God. Diligence in faith involves regular practices such as prayer, reading and committing to our heart and memory the Scriptures, and participating in communal worship and fellowship. It also means being alert to the temptations and distractions that can lead one away from a steadfast faith.
Growth in Grace and Knowledge:
2 Peter 3:18 advises believers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This growth is a lifelong process that involves deepening one's understanding of God's grace and increasingly conforming one's life to the teachings of Jesus. Growth in grace and knowledge is facilitated by engaging with the Bible, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, and learning from the wisdom of other mature believers.
Holding Fast to Confession:
Hebrews 4:14 encourages believers to "hold fast to our confession." This means maintaining a firm commitment to the truths of the Christian faith, especially in the face of challenges or doubts. Holding fast to one's confession involves:
Standing firm in one's beliefs.
Being willing to defend them.
Living in a way that is consistent with those beliefs.
Implications for Daily Life:
In practical terms, these exhortations mean that believers should:
Prioritize their spiritual growth and seek to deepen their relationship with God.
Engage in regular spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, and worship.
Be alert to how their faith might be challenged or weakened and take steps to strengthen it.
Live out their faith in their daily interactions and decisions, seeking to reflect the character of Christ in all aspects of life.
Support and encourage one another in the faith, recognizing the importance of community in maintaining a vibrant and enduring faith.
In summary, the doctrine of "Once Saved, Always Saved" is not supported by a holistic reading of the Bible. Scripture calls for a living, active faith that perseveres to the end. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives, remain steadfast in their faith, and continually seek to grow in their relationship with God.
By Grace through Faith,
Jenifer, A Girl with a Bible . org
