CAN A CHRISTIAN

BE DAMNED?
 

By Eric Sawyer

INTRODUCTION:  

Dear Surfer,

How this booklet came into my possession:

During the 90’s I received an envelope full of pamphlets, articles and booklets from some friends.  The envelope contained all sorts of information that was designed to enlighten and encourage.

At the time I was a “fanatic” and much of what came my way I just did not see.  This particular article was made up of loose sheets.

Unbeknown to me I only had the first few.  So the article never really made sense to me.  I placed it in a box and it lay there for more that 10 years.

During that period, ‘Jesus’ who is at work in the life of every believer, was working overtime at changing my life.  I had been a prisoner of doubt.  I had no assurance of salvation.  I was easy play for Satan, and found myself ineffective and eventually cold as ice. 

Jesus melted my cold heart through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and eventually, I returned to the box where I had placed the article.

After checking to see if there was anything worthwhile in the box, I came upon this article again.  It had no author, so let us say that the author was Jesus. For me He certainly must have been, for the article was like a key that I had been searching for, for a long, long time.  As I read I discovered that I still only had half a booklet.

I was still ignorant of the real contents and placed it aside side.  Searching through boxes and cupboards sometime later, I came upon a group of pages all mixed together with others, and recognized the style of writing.  Placing the pages in numerical order, I found that I had the end of a booklet.

I went to where I had first stashed the other section, and for the first time in approx. 10 years, the eyes of my heart were about to be completely opened as I placed the two parts together. 

At last, reading the whole booklet was possible. As I read these deeply insightful words I was freed at last from the doubt that I had been bound in, for such a long, long time.

So it is with great joy that I share this booklet with you. 

In Jesus,

Eric Sawyer      (mid-winter 2002)

CAN A CHRISTIAN BE DAMNED?

No other question has caused such division and bitter conflict within Protestantism and evangelical Christendom as the above.

Controversy has marred its answer for nearly 16 centuries, and for the past four hundred years has also divided many Christians into opposing camps, the one striving for the truth of God’s

unassailable sovereignty, the other endeavouring to maintain the primacy of man’s responsibility, Sadly, the theological battle often raised over the answer to our question has also again and again distracted the Church from her mission and injured the unity of the body of Christ.

Should we avoid the issue?  It is true that often a good thing has been used as a flag for the advance of human pride: of course, true doctrine is a good thing, for the truth sets free (John 8:23).

But should we then remain defensively and indefinitely obscure in our thinking and believing for fear of controversy?  The Bible says we should  “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), and this is surely God’s way neither avoiding the truth, nor misapplying the Word for advantage. It is wise that Dr. De Haan remarks, “If we as fellow believers in Christ cannot discuss our differences in love, with full respect for one another’s sincere and honest convictions we are not fit to properly Interpret the Word.”

We cannot afford, in these days of Apostasy and Challenge, to follow a teaching merely because of the reputation of its teacher. It is only the Word of God that must be allowed to compel our convictions! Let us remember that our unique message of complete Redemption in Christ through Grace is strong and certain, to the sinner unto salvation and to the saints unto sanctification.

Christian, you must know WHAT you believe!  And be ready, “Always to give and ANSWER to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:5).

So think through with us on the vital matter of your Eternal Security.

                                 

CONTENTS

“HISTORY’S STORY”

“OUR SECURITY STATED”

“BIBLE COMMENTS”

“JUSTIFICATION”

“SPIRITUAL IDENTITY”

“SHEEPS & DOGS”

“OUR ADVOCATE”

“COMPROMISE?”

“HOLINESS?”

“CHASTENING”

“THE DAY OF CHRIST”

“GOD’S POINT OF VIEW”

“APPENDIX”
(to be read as well)

“HISTORY’S STORY”

(Reaction to Reaction)

Four great names are associated with the controversy about our Security.  They are Augustine, Pelagius, Calvin and Arminius.

Because the history of any doctrine is so important to a proper understanding of it, we will briefly sketch for you the part played in each of these men in the development of the dispute.

Pelaguis, a 5^th century monk, initiated a teaching in Rome that every man, at his birth, is as pure and as free to obey God as Adam was before he sinned.  This teaching of the natural freedom of man’s will led to an unscriptural emphasis on human ability in salvation.

Augustine reacted against Pelagianism! In his conversion Augustine had been singularly impressed with magnificence of Divine Grace. Thus, influenced by his own experience and immediate circumstance of the pelagian heresy, he propounded the doctrines of Human Inability (Total Depravity).  Divine Election and Irresistible Grace.  Pelagius was condemned by the Latin Church:  the teachings of Augustine triumphed and survived to reinforce the Reformation.

John Calvin, the Reformer and brilliant theologian of the 16^th century, expanded and systematized much of the teaching of Augustine, including Divine Election and the Perseverance of the Saints. The churches which followed Calvin’s doctrinal system, the Reformed branch of Protestantism, consolidated his teachings in various synods, condensed them in catechisms, and spread their influence strongly in many areas of Europe.

Arminius reacted against Calvinism! His followers rightfully challenged the neglect of human responsibility, but went further to deny the sovereignty of God in securing Salvation.

Over-correction seems to have characterized the history of this dispute.  Reaction against one doctrinal imbalance swung the pendulum of opinion to the opposite extreme of imbalance.  Neither Augustine’s Predestination of The Damned (Reprobation), nor the Arminianist’s reliance upon human response (Probationary Salvation) were warranted in answer to the dogmatic abuses of their day. The bitterness of the controversy that has since raged over these opposite aspects of God’s revelation, namely  -  Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility, has usually caused more mutual condemnation and name-calling that the intended growth “in Grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”

This should warn us! Today, with a doctrinal inheritance both for and against the Eternal Security of the Christian we cannot afford to merely accommodate to our own particular church tradition. Sheer conformity to tradition is in fact censured in the Word of God. (Matthew 15:6)

“OUR SECURITY STATED”

In spite of heated allegations that the teaching of Eternal Security jeopardizes Christian faithfulness, the lives of so many great men of God prove rather the opposite.  Men such as the reformers Zwingli and Martin Luther, Spurgeon the “prince of preachers”, Jonathan Edwards the theologian, pulpit masters such as Chalmers, John Newton and Baxter, John Bunyan of “Pilgrim’s Progress” fame. Owen, and evangelists George Whitefield, Charles Finney and D.L.Moody, who were among the noblest of the Christian Church, preached and taught the eternal security and perseverance of the believer.  To this assembly of “greats” we could add other noteworthies, such as the scholar and hymn writer Newell (At the Cross), Toplady (“Rock of Ages”), expositors such as Dr. H.A. Ironside and Dr M.R. De Haan, and many more.

In addition to godly leaders in the Faith, large and important sections of the Christian Church have unequivocally stated their assurance of the truth of this doctrine. Their statements of belief in the PREDESTINATION AND Perseverance of the Saints are found in the French Helvetic Confession (Switzerland, 1536), the French Confession (1559), the Belgic Confession (1561), the Scotch Confession (1560), the Lambeth Articles (England 1595), the Heildelberg Catechism (1563), the Irish Articles (1615), the Canons of Dort (1619), and others.

Perhaps one of the clearest statements of this doctrine is found in the Westminster Confession of Faith.  It declares unambiguously that,  “They whom God hath accepted in His beloved, effectually called and sanctified by the Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of Grace: but shall certainly persevere therein to the end and be eternally saved.” This is the doctrine of Eternal Security!

However, though the experience of godly men and the confessions of the Christian Church are a valuable guide, it is only the Word of God, the Bible, that carries final authority and is the highest court of appeal. If a teaching is not clearly and unmistakably set forth in the Word of God it is not worth believing.

 “BIBLE COMMENTS”

(Meat for the Mind)

We cite here a few Scripture passages which affirm the eternal security of the believer.  Some of the most popular verses of Scripture quoted in opposition to our Security will be discussed in the appendix.

John 5:24

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word and believeth on Him that sent me.  Hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation: but is passed from death to life.”

John 10:27-30

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ORDAINED to eternal life believed”

Romans 5:8-10

“But God commendeth His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.  For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled we shall be saved by His life.”

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to them which are in Christ Jesus.”  (qualification in remainder of verse not present in the Greek).

1 Corinthians 1:8,9

“Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God is faithful, by whom ye were called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Ephesians 4:30

“And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

Philippians 1:6

“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you who also will do it.”

2 Timothy 1:12

“……For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”

2 Timothy 2:19

“Nevertheless that foundation of God standeth sure having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are His.”

Hebrews 9:12,15

“Neither by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained ETERNAL REDEMPTION for us.  And for this cause He is the mediator of the New Testament, but by means of death….they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”

Hebrews 10:14

“For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are (being), sanctified.”

1 Peter 1:3-5

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, that fadeth not away reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

1 John 2:19

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”

1 John 3:5-11

“And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him. Little children, let no man deceive you he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the Devil: for the Devil sinneth from the beginning.  For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil.  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the Devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message ye heard from the beginning….."

Jude 1

“……to them that are sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called.”

Jude 24

“Now to Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presense of His Glory with exceeding joy.”

“JUSTIFICATION”

(The Verdict)

Whether we answer “Yes” or “No” to our original question we must agree that upon man’s regeneration at his conversion he is righteous in God’s sight. Were he to die one second after he had believed, he would have escaped forever the consequences of sin.  Now, it is very important that we understand exactly which sins were forgiven him when he made his all-important decision.

There are only two possibilities and we will consider them both.

It has sometimes been contended that only all PAST sins are forgiven the Christian at conversion.  After his re-birth, it is suggested,  sins which are then committed must be specifically confessed to obtain forgiveness and to keep the record of the believer ‘clean’. Romans 3:25 “the remission of sins that are “past”, is frequently quoted in support of this argument.

However, we only have to follow Paul’s basic reasoning on this chapter to realize that he is most certainly not dealing with pre-conversion sins.  Instead, he is pointing out that sins committed under the Old Covenant were passed over, because the propitiation of the Cross had been foreseen in God’s omniscience.

If one sin in my Christian life is not covered by the substitutionary death of our Lord upon Calvary, that one sin is enough to damn my soul eternally (James 2:10).  In other words, if, when I received the Lord as my sin-bearing Substitute, only my past sins (pre-conversion) were expunged, then I would be lost again every time I sinned, until I confessed that sin and washed again in the Blood of Calvary.  It would seem that, as Ironside said, that grand old hymn, “Ye Must Be Born Again”, should really read, “Ye must be Born Again, and Again, and Again”.  It may then be asked, what would happen if I were to die suddenly before having confessed that damning sin?  It soon becomes very obvious that some kind of provision must have been made for present and future transgressions.

If our past sins only had been forgiven, we would be in a most dangerous position, and perhaps the human need for the confession box is here explained.  NO!  The only answer is that at conversion a man is JUSTIFIED; - all sins past, present and future are judicially expunged.  The Christian cannot come into condemnation (John 5:24).  He has received as Saviour and Lord the Christ who died for ALL sin.

But the objection may be immediately raised that John wrote to the Christians,  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  Why then the need for confession, seeing that all sins are already forgiven.

We answer as follows.  At conversion the believer is saved from CONDEMNATION.  Judicially acquitted of all sin, he leaves the criminal court never to return.  Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer speaks of it as;  “The Father (the judge of the universe)  forensically declares, on the basis of the finished work of Christ in space, time and history, that the true moral guilt of those who cast themselves upon Christ is gone.” Dr. H. A. Ironside describes it as, “…the moment you trust the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, your responsibility as a sinner having to do with the God of Judgment is ended for eternity, but that same moment your responsibility as a child having to do with a Father in heaven begins.” He then goes on to add, “Now if as a child you should sin against you Father, God will have to deal with you about that, but as a Father and not as a Judge.”

The believer has been JUSTIFIED!  But this is not all!  Since the Resurrection of Jesus, and by virtue of His Death, at the moment of justification the believer was also regenerated, that is, he was made spiritually alive, received the nature of Christ, was indwelt by the Spirit of Holiness, and is therefore  “a new creation in Christ Jesus”.  Should he now fall and sin against his Lord, he violates the life of Christ within, grieves the indwelling Spirit, and estranges himself from the Father.  But he is not orphaned!  He will continue in this unhappy state under the chastening of the Lord until confession is made and he returns to his Father.

The man who teaches that sin can destroy the salvation of a child of God, slights the finished work of Christ.  Through fear that the doctrine of the security of the believer will cause people to lead careless lives, many have taught that a Christian’s salvation is lost through disobedience, and in so doing have ignorantly belittled the Word of God in Christ crucified and the Holy Spirit regenerating.

Some have protested that not sin itself, but persistence in sin by the backslider and his refusal to return, will negate his salvation.

This in effect means that God tolerates a certain “degree” of sinning in the Christian before cutting him off forever; that there is a certain “line” beyond which he must go.  If any line exists it is only what God has drawn in death,”…many sleep (have died) … that we should not be condemned with the world”. (1 Cor. 4:5),  and no other.  An arbitrary “line drawing” regarding the degree of sin tolerated in a Christian’s life is purely human intervention and unworthy of consideration.

Finally, we should remember that it was this reality of the justification of the sinner by God through faith alone, that sparked the cleansing flame of the Reformation.  The rediscovery that Christ’s righteousness could be imputed to the believer immediately and permanently in justification, wonderfully set loose the deliverance of God in the 16 century Church. Chains of bondage fell away, and papal bulls of censure meant nothing in comparison with the glorious revelation of full and immediate salvation.

“SPIRITUAL IDENTITY”

“Surely, if I know that I cannot come into condemnation, it is an encouragement to live carelessly and sin ?”

Rather than merely cast one argument against another let us listen to the apostle Paul.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove (test) your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates (counterfeits)”.
2 Corinthians 13:5

And also;

“Christ in you, the hope of glory” Colossians 1:27

Scripture is absolutely emphatic that they who do not bear the “fruit” of the Christ-Life are NOT Christians!

This is not simply an excuse of “eternal securists” for those who fall away never to return. 

Throughout the New Testament this attitude of God’s Word is clear and unmistakable.  We cannot always distinguish the true from the false, but God can. 

Before the Lord Jesus Christ ever gave the assurance that both He and the Father guarantee the believer’s security (John 10:28,29).  He said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me” (10:27).

 The believer’s security exists in the reality of his spiritual identity; having by rebirth the implanted nature of Christ.  But this certainly lies in his life, and not in a memory of an emotional resolution of the past.  True conversion is a work of God, a regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and it is always authenticated in the life.  Jesus stated very definitely, “by their fruits ye shall know then”, when he warned against false prophets “in sheep’s clothing” (Matt. 7:15 –20), and this applies among us today.

“SHEEP AND DOGS”

John was faced with a situation we sometimes experience.  Apparent believers had fallen away and turned against the Truth; did this mean that immediately salvation through faith only began a ‘trial of holiness’ qualify the saved ones for heaven ? 

No!  On the contrary, John responded,

“He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:4). 

Rather,

“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin;  for His seed remaineth in him” (1 John 3:9), 

but of the first group, John said,

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us” (1 John 2:19).

“. . . the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are His.”  (2 Timothy 2:19).

But we sometimes hear:

“Some have been so active in the church and were so zealous for the truth of the Word, and have fallen away”. 

Though a believer fall away we cannot judge him, but we can and must judge his works.  Christ Himself, tells us in Matthew 7:23 that though a man show great religious zeal, even miracles, in the name of Christ, yet the Lord may say, “I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity”

“…hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”
(1 John 2:3).

 

“OUR ADVOCATE”

(His Effective Intercession)

Some have taught us, in essence:

“if a believer sins, he is lost until he repents and confesses.” 

How different are the words of men from the Word of God.  The Bible says:

“…if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1).

“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right had of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Rom. 8:34).

The intercession of Christ before the Father is specifically for His born-again Church, and not for the world (John 17:9). 

He who became the “Lamb of God” for the sins of the whole world, has entered in before the Throne to become the High Priest of them that believe (Heb.3:1).

It is because it is shamefully true that all Christians sin that we have need of an Advocate with the Father.  By His continuing intercession He shows forth the abiding power of His Blood, that He who is the Author should also be the Finisher of our salvation.

In order that the judicial act of God’s Justification at conversion should not in anyway be abrogated by our sin thereafter, we have an Advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ the Righteous.  He, the Righteous One represents every believer before the presense of Him “who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting Amen.” (1 Tim. 6:16).

Though Satan, the subverter of our souls by demons, world or flesh, should sometime prevail, yet through Christ’s effective intercession are not disowned.

“If we believe not (unfaithful), yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself” (II Timothy 2:13).

Hallelujah!  What a Saviour!  All glory be to God for His great and glorious salvation of Grace in Jesus.

If these things are true, then we should cease fearing our failures and weaknesses, and boldly press on in the liberty of Christ by good works unto glory of Him who saved us.

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  (Heb. 4:14 – 16).

“COMPROMISE ?”

We have heard remarked,

“I believe Eternal Security, but I would never preach it.” 

It is so sad that this myopic attitude should have crept into the Church.  To make ourselves the “censors” of the Word because we fear God’s truth might injure is either ignorance or arrogance.  The whole gospel of God has been entrusted to the Christian Church,  and it is the responsibility of its every minister to proclaim it in totality.

“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27).

If it be argued that preaching the certainty of our security may encourage loose living, would it not then be consistent to infer, by the same logic, that the revelation of God’s love for the sinner would inspire persistence in sin.

Paul himself was slandered in this way by those who represented his teaching as a dangerous encouragement to sin. (Rom. 3:8).

A.H. Strong in his Systematic Theology, popular as a textbook in many Bible Colleges, remarks, “certainty of success is the strongest incentive to activity in the conflict with sin.” 

The doctrine of our final security is an important encouragement to preserve in the Faith.”

“HOLINESS ?”

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal.  The Lord knoweth them that are His.  And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart form iniquity.”  (II Timothy 2:19).

Holiness, or experimental sanctification, is “unto the Lord”.  That is,  Christian Holiness is born of love toward God and NOT from fear of Hell.

Christ commanded,

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father, which is in Heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). 

God’s holiness is to be the character of our holiness.  “God is love”, and love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Rom. 13:10). 

Therefore,

“though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor (self-denial), and though I give my body to be burned (martyrdom), and have not love it profiteth me nothing.”
(1 Cor. 13:3). 

The just shall live by faith”, but “faith worketh by love” (Gal. 5:6).

Nowhere in the Word of God does the Lord ever seek to drive us to personal holiness through fear of being damned to Hell.

“CHASTENING”

Nevertheless, God does hold the rod of discipline.  Apart from all the wonderful provisions of His goodness that we might positively “grow in Grace”. 

The Lord, because He loves His own, chastens us that though we sin, “We should not be condemned with the world.” (I Corinthians 11:32)

“If we endure chastening,  God dealeth with you as sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” (Hebrews 12:7,8).

Disobedience will bring the chastening of the Lord upon us!  This Scripture tells us that where there is no chastening upon the faithful Christian we have real reason to doubt his identity as a child of God.

The chastening of the Lord was once described as the voice of the Lord to the Christian who begins to go astray.  At first the Lord speaks gently, but as the wandering persists the Lord speaks louder.  If sin continues, the severity of God is felt, possibly, in sickness , business or domestic problems, and other forms of chastening.  And should sin then persist, death could be the final chastening.

“For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (have died).  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  But when we are judged we are chastened of the Lord,  that we should not be condemned with the world.”  (I Corinthians 11:30 – 32)

Could this not be the “sin unto death” which John suggests a Christian may see in his brother ?  Have we not here the underlying principle to Paul’s instruction regarding a wayward brother in Corinth for the “destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (I Corinth. 5:1 – 13). Were not Ananias and Sapphira chastened in finality (“many sleep” – “unto death”) that they  “should not be condemned with the world?”

“ THE DAY OF CHRIST”

Together with the chastening of the Christian, God reveals to us a coming Judgment of Fire for every believer, which Paul describes as “the terror of the Lord” (II Corinthians 5:10,11)

“Why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Romans 14:10).

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.” (I Corinthians 4:5).

“Abide in Him; that, that when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. (I John 2:28).

Should a believer not “abide in Him”, he is not reprobate and lost; though all his life be worthless, “he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (I Corinthians 3:15).

The total loss, spiritually, of the whole post-conversion life will not in any way cancel the certainty of Salvation, for the “Foundation….Jesus Christ” remaineth, “but let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”

The awful solemnity of the “Day of Christ” , is a deterrent to sin and an encouragement to holiness. “Of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” (Colossians 3:25).

The noted German theologian and biblical scholar, Erich Sauer, writes:

“But finally all will be saved and all will shine, if in different degrees of glory and splendour.  There will be great and small vessels in the future, but all will be filled. There will be degrees and stages of glory, but no difference in happiness.”

 “GOD’S VIEW-POINT”

(Argument from the Attributes)

We now examine what is perhaps the most decisive of all evidence in favour of the Security of the believer. Indeed we have yet to hear an explanation which satisfactorily negates this evidence. 

It will be easier for us to consider this argument step by step.

1. It is universally held God is OMNISCIENT.
    
2. When we say, God is omniscient, we mean that all objects of knowledge, past , present and future are known by Him.
    
3. Therefore in the mind of God all future events are certain as though they had already taken place. (This is in no way inconsistent with human volition and does not tend towards fatalism.).
    
4. It therefore follows that He must know and must always have known EXACTLY WHO WOULD BE FINALLY SAVED.  (We deliberately avoid any controversy as to conditional or unconditional election.).
    
5. That God did ELECT certain to Eternal Salvation is beyond all reasonable doubt. “Elect” according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” (1 Peter 1:2);

“According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4).

The ridiculous evasion that He elected a specific number of persons, unknown to Himself, is untenable if we consider His Omniscience.

Perhaps at this point we should emphasize that the relationship between human free will and God’s sovereignty in election cannot be fully comprehended by the human mind with its natural limitations.  Some hate felt inclined to discard the one and uphold the other, or vice versa.  This tendency stems from the false notion that the finite intellect is capable of reasoning out all God’s action.

6. Now, it is absolutely clear that the ELECT and only the ELECT have or ever will come to conversion, and it is equally clear that the Elect are EXACTLY those who will be finally and irreversibly saved.

Examine the following versus of Scripture and see if these things be so:

Acts 13:48

“And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the Word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.”

John 6:37, 38, 39.

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.  And this is the Father’s will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.  And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one that seeth the Son and believeth on Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Ephesians 1: 4,5,11,13 & 14

“According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,. . . in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: … In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that we believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest (guarantee, pledge)  of our inheritance until the redemption of the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.”

Romans 8:28 – 30

“And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called:  and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.”

Please Note:

1. Five words feature in this last portion:

                  FOREKNOW

                  PREDESTINATE

                  CALLED

                  JUSTIFIED

                  GLORIFIED

2. Only those who were foreknown, were predestinated, and only those who were predestinated were called, etc., therefore by consistent reasoning those who will be glorified are EXACTLY those who were foreknown.

3. One school of thought claims that “whom He did foreknow” actually means ‘those about whom He foreknew certain things,’ such as their faith.  Another believes that to foreknow a person is equivalent to fore-ordaining that person to eternal life, i.e. Election. We will avoid this controversy. Even if foreknow meant nothing more than ‘saw beforehand’, the context makes it plain that the foreknown ones are the elect ones.

He predestinated or “fixed the end” of those whom He foreknew. The term CALLED must be seen in its context. In verse 28 we see that the “called” are those who love God. Hence “called” is used in the limited sense. Not all those who ever experience the “whosoever will” invitation of God’s Spirit are here referred to. This call is an effectual call, or put as simply as possible, a call that results in the Regeneration of the one called.

So those foreknown were also predestined and called!

This is followed by JUSTIFICATION – their becoming righteous in the sight of a Holy God, on account of Christ’s substitutionary death.

Those who are justified are certain to be GLORIFIED. It is common knowledge that glorification refers to when:

“we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2)

All agree that once we arrive at this point, we are certainly and unquestionably saved for eternity!

But, those who are to be glorified are all those who are justified, and those who are justified are all those who are called and those who are called are all those who were predestinated and the predestinated ones were all those who were foreknown.

This truth has had different effects on different people, but before it ever influenced another it affected the apostle Paul, who wrote it. 

It caused him to triumphantly and joyously exclaim, “What shall we then say to these things? IF GOD BE FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?  He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,  how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect?  IT IS GOD THAT JUSTIFIETH!  Who is he that condemneth?  IT IS CHRIST THAT DIED, yea rather, THAT IS RISEN AGAIN, who is even at the right hand of God,  WHO ALSO MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR US. WHO SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Nay, in all these things WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  ( Romans 8:31-39)

Finally, we quote the memorable words of that noted American theologian, Charles G. Finney, from the last paragraph of his Systematic Theology.

“We have seen, that none come to Christ, except they are drawn of the Father, and that the Father draws to Christ those and those only whom He has given to Christ, and also, that it is the Father’s design that of those He has given to Christ, He should lose none, but that He should raise them up at the last day. This is the only hope that ANY will be saved. 

Strike out this foundation, and what shall the righteous do?  Strike out from the Bible the doctrine of God’s covenanted faithfulness to Christ – the truth that the Father has given to Him a certain number whose salvation

He foresees that He could and should secure, and I despair of myself and of everybody else.  Where is any other ground of hope? I know not where.”

“APPENDIX”

(to be read as well.)

A:- Paradoxical Passages.

 

B:- Persons and Possibilities.

“COMMON OBJECTIONS”

We have attempted to concisely present what we believe to be the strongest arguments for the believer’s eternal security.  In this appendix we now wish to avoid the error of ignoring popular objections. Surely if the doctrine of Eternal Security is true, no objection to it can ever be without and adequate answer.  Besides, honesty demands that the seeker after truth examine all available evidence on the subject.  Unfortunately, some interested persons, either through mental incapacity or through sheer narrow-minded stubbornness, have refused even to inquire into the opposing point of view.  Such biased refusal to honestly consider a contrary position is normally evidence that existing conclusions have not been reached through impartial and systematic theology.

The following brief glance at some objections is not meant to imply that we know all the answers.  Nevertheless, with complete honesty we can state that we are not aware of a single objection to this doctrine for which there is no answer.

The objections which we are about to consider are examples of how valid-looking difficulties so often prove to be no problem at all. Our answers are necessarily brief for though we may desire to be thorough, each could become a separate study in itself.
 

OBJECTION A, 1.
 

What about Old Testament verses which show that salvation can be lost?

We cite a verse which seems to state this fact most strongly:

“When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live?  All his righteousness which he hath done shall not be mentioned:  in his trespass that he hath trespassed and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall die.”  (Ezekiel 18:24)

This part of Scripture describes God’s dealing with ISRAEL.  Under Israel’s Covenant with God, the Law, by which no man could be justified, was given as a “school master” to prepare for and lead to salvation. Before grace came in Christ the only certainty of personal salvation was to persevere in faith – “after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” (Hebrews 6:25).

Even though a man conformed to the righteousness of the Law, it was only by the perseverance of obedience in faith that there was any assurance for him of salvation to come.  While outward obedience to the Law could not guarantee salvation, abandonment of the Law did demonstrate spiritual reprobation.
 

NOTE:- REGENERATION
 

The regeneration of the believer, as taught in the New Testament, was never experienced before the Resurrection.

Though anticipated prophetically and in type, the New-Birth,  in which the believer receives the life of Christ, is only subsequent to and by virtue of the Cross and Resurrection of our Lord. 

“Ye are risen with Him…And you….hath He quickened together with Him” (Colossians 2:12,13). 

The Old Testament saints “received not the promise” (Hebrews 11:39,40). “that we should be to the praise of His glory who first trusted in Christ” (Ephesians 1:12).

This explains the incongruity of the fact that Christ declared His disciples “clean” , justified, through believing His word (John 15:3) when as yet the Holy Spirit had not indwelt them even though the Spirit was “with” them (John 14:17). 

By living in the time of transition, that is – believing on Christ both before the Cross and after, the apostles experienced the Old and New Covenant dispensations of God to the faithful (cf. John 4:23).

In the experience of the Christian today however, the moment of being justified through faith is the very moment of regeneration by the Spirit.

The former is the Godward aspect (justified) and the latter is the experiential aspect (regenerated). 

The regeneration wrought by the Holy Spirit is the first act of His indwelling, which Jesus described as being “born of the Spirit”.

OBJECTION  A,  2.

(A)

What about Jesus’ own words which imply that it is possible for believers to be eternally lost?

We cite three passages which are often quoted:-

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved”. (Matthews 10:10:22 & 24:13).

It would not surprise us to hear this verse quoted in opposition by adherents of a cult which denies the doctrine of the Trinity and specializes in quoting out of context. 

We are amazed however, that evangelical believers should try to use it with reference to born-again Christians!

Even a superficial reading of Matthew chapters 10 & 24 is enough to convince any honest enquirer that these refer exclusively to Israel.

Does the believer, who is anxious to apply this verse to his salvation expect to see “the abomination of desolation” at any moment? Will he flee from Judea to the mountains? (Matthew 24:15,16).

(B)

Is he required to use Matthew 10:6-14 as his soul winning technique.

“No man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the Kingdom of Heaven”.  (Luke 9:62).

Jesus here was challenging the sincerity of would-be followers. “I would follow thee but….”, was the occasion of His statement.  As a reaction to the half hearted desire of some that were inclined to turn to Him (Matthew 9:57-61), Christ gave the metaphor of the reluctant ploughman.  As the ploughman who looks back cannot do credit to his calling so it was with these conditional disciples who thought to follow with divided allegiance.

This “luke-warm” devotion toward Christ is always abhorrent to God and grieves the Spirit of Grace.

To make this text contradict the scriptures which teach the believers’ security is to do despite unto the Word of God.

(C)

“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that DOETH the will of My Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in the day, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name?…..and in Thy name done many wonderful works?” (Matthew 7:21,22)

It is contended that no unregenerate person can prophesy and do wonderful works in the name of Jesus. We wish this were true! But the rest of this scripture portion makes it plain that these miracle-workers have never been saved or regenerated, for Jesus says of them in verse 23: “ I NEVER knew you!” What contrast to His words “ I know my sheep”.

OBJECTION A, 3.

What about statements in the Epistles which teach that Christians must take heed lest they fall away?

There are, as we should expect, many passages which warn us of the danger of falling.

We quote two typical examples.

(A)

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” ( 1 Corinthians 10:12)

The Word of God here warns against self-confidence as it may cause one to fall into sin. Every Christian is subject to temptation and therefore is capable of sin.

But falling into sin does not mean falling out of God’s care. There is not the slightest hint in this verse that the Christian is in danger of forfeiting his “everlasting life”.

(B)

“But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection lest by any means, when I have preached to others, I should myself should become a castaway.”
(1 Corinthians 9:27)

The word “castaway” means, from the Greek original “rejected”. Paul is discussing the gospel ministry and not personal salvation.

He says, “know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain” (1 Corinthians 9:24). He uses the image of the Olympic Games to emphasize the aspect of reward.

If we try to twist this to refer to our salvation we end with the thought that of all believers only “one receiveth” salvation. This shows the short sightedness of those who expound the Word with and anti-security bias.

Paul warns that we must be careful not to lose our reward – “crown” (1 Corinthians 9:25), i.e. be “rejected for the prize”.

The scripture context of the verse quoted completely excludes any idea that might imply a believer could lose his salvation  (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:15).

OBJECTION A, 4.

What about the passages in the New Testament which emphatically declare that a born-again believer can lose his salvation?

As with the Old Testament example, we will consider the most decisive-sounding passage known to us:

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  But it is happened unto them according to the proverb – The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Peter 2:20-22).

Paul warns, “beware of dogs” (Philippians 3:2). John tells that “without (the New Jerusalem) are dogs” (Revelation 22:15), and Jesus Himself, warned us of the “dogs” (Matthew 7:6).

We are certain that the Bible does not mean the four-legged kind. What then? As with the “swine” so in scripture is the “dog” a symbol of that which is irreparably unclean.

The “dogs” of which Paul warns us were men who used the Mosaic Law to bring spiritual bondage into the Church. These in 2 Peter also had “brought bondage” those who were “almost escaping form them who live in error”  (2 Peter 2:18 – literal Greek).

These were “false teachers” (2 Peter 2:1) in the ranks of Church who were said to “feast” with the believers (2 Peter 2:13) and that “cannot cease from sin (2 Peter 2:14).  They follow “the way of Balaam”, that is, they deliberately make merchandise of the things of God as their Old Testament type (2 Peter 2:15).

Their damnation is therefore greater (2 Peter 2:20) for it is with the knowledge of God’s mercy that they pervert the simple and deceive (2 Peter 2:22). For this reason “dog” and “sow” are a “true proverb” (2 Peter 2:22).

There is no argument in this passage to even imply the damnation of backslidden born-again believers but only of “false” professors of religion. These men had at first escaped “the pollutions of the world” (not it’s condemnation) through the knowledge (not experience) of the Gospel.

Their way of life had thus changed and they were counted as part of the Church but they, like Balaam, had used the truth for their own ends perverted the right way and were as those “made to be taken and destroyed” (2 Peter 2:12)  “to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever” (2 Peter 2:17).

As Charles Haddon Spurgeon said,

“If this dog had ever been born again and gotten a sheep’s nature, it never would gone back to its own vomit and if the sow had ever been regenerated and had the heart of a lamb put in it, it never would have gone back to its wallowing in the mire.”  

It is shameful that this condition should ever be thought to refer to a backslidden child of God.

We leave this objection with a final remark by Dr. Ironside,

“The devil has a lot of washed sows, but they are not, and never have been Christ’s sheep.”

OBJECTION A, 5.

Doesn’t this scripture teach those who fall away are lost forever?

“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 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.” (Hebrews 6:4-6)

The verses before the above in the scripture are a plea for spiritual progress. (Hebrews 5:12-6:3). 

The call of the writer is for the readers to “go on unto perfection, NOT laying again the Foundation”.

Far from implying the danger of a believer being eternally lost, these verses plainly declare “It is impossible…if they fall away to renew them again unto repentance”. 

It is the “foundation of repentance” (Hebrews 6:1)  that is in view, NOT merely a feeling of repentance. 

The foundation of repentance and faith had been laid at conversion, now it was the believer’s responsibility to properly build thereon and not to think that spiritual failure could merely be erased and a new beginning made all over again, for this would be equivalent to crucifying Christ “afresh”. 

In short, the message of this passage is that a believer cannot be born again again!

OBJECTION A, 6.

Doesn’t this scripture speak of a man being eternally lost?

“He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of Grace?” (Hebrews 10:28 & 29)

As Israel’s annual sacrifice on the Day of Atonement sanctified the whole nation before God, even though the believing Israelite had already brought his personal sacrifice, so the one Atonement of Jesus the Christ of God has sanctified the whole world so that “whoever will” may come and be saved – “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them” (II Corinthians 5:19).

This same principle of the “sanctification of opportunity” is shown (I Corinthians 7:14), “the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband”.  In this sense was the one referred to in Hebrews 10 “sanctified”.

The message of these two verses quoted in objection teach that, though a Jew turn from the “Lamb of God” back to the Temple sacrifice, he will not find another salvation but brings upon himself a greater and more dreadful condemnation.

Thus “there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26) speaks of the transcendent uniqueness of Christ’s atonement which can never be repeated as the Temple sacrifices were, and NOT of the loss of value of Christ’s death for the backslider’s life.

This passage has nothing to do with the security or otherwise of the Christian, but only with a man who, knowing the Way, rejects and turns back to his old way (see our Note).             

NOTE: HEBREWS

In Acts 21:20 we are told, “many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are ALL zealous of the Law.” 

The fact that the Old Testament system was now obsolete and the unique character of the Christian Church were not initially know to the early Jewish believers.

By the anointed ministry of the 12 apostles and the preaching of the resurrection of Jesus “many 1000’s” were convinced that Christ was Israel’s Messiah. “A great company of priests” had believed, but the Temple ministry continued. (Acts 6:7).  Even many Pharisees accepted Christ as Messiah and continued their adherence to the Law of Moses. (Acts 15:5)

In writing to this class of believer in the epistle to the Hebrews a special situation had to be properly treated. 

The Law, even though it was God-given and was Israel’s glory, had to be shown to be now redundant.

The Temple ministry of sacrifice had to be proven to have been fulfilled and ended in Christ’s death which was “once, for all” (Hebrews 10:10).

And the Lord Jesus Himself, had to be seen, not only as the Messiah of Israel, but as the one and only Atonement, and therefore Saviour.  They had therefore also to accept Him as their personal Saviour and so to “go forth unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach” (Hebrews 13:13).

The knowledge of Christ as Messiah had to be transcended by the knowledge of Him as Saviour.

This circumstance can never be faced by a believer today! If this is understood many apparent problems of the book of Hebrews are solved. 

On these problems Dr. J. Sidlow Baxter writes:

“They refer to a particular class in a situation which has forever passed away.”

OBJECTION A, 7.

Galatians 5:4 teaches that a believer can fall from grace!

“…whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace”.

Paul writes these words to those who think they are “justified by the law”. He has already said, “no man is justified by the law in the sight of God” (Galatians 3:11).

Here he shows the mocking futility of those who seek the grace of God through the law.  There can be no mixing of the law and grace for “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). He who relies on the law cannot be saved by Christ – “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law.”

This has no reference to a Christian losing his salvation through spiritual laxity, “but to another gospel: which is not another” (Galatians 1:7) but is a false hope of salvation.

OBJECTION B, 1.

The Bible says Saul was given a new heart and “became another man”. His suicidal end in unbelief certainly disproves Eternal Security!

We should understand by now that King Saul, having lived before the Cross, could never have been a partaker in the life of Christ.

Scripture statements must, as always, be take in their context.  Every experience of Saul of the working of the Spirit of God had reference only to his preparation for kingship and bore no relation to his personal salvation. 

The experiences mentioned in the objection took place after Samuel’s anointing of Saul and were signs and preparations for the reign of the first King of Israel.

Saul illustrates how a man of great potential and with wonderful opportunity still went wrong because he went his way and not God’s way.

OBJECTION B, 2.

Doesn’t the damnation of Judas, a man who was one of the Twelve Apostles and worked miracles, prove that a believer can be lost?

Judas “by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” (Acts 1:25)

Although he, with the others, had ministered in Christ’s name, prior to Calvary he had no assurance of salvation except by faithfulness to Christ (perseverance in faith).  That he potentially had qualities enough is shown in his selection to Apostleship, but that he failed to realize them through trust in Christ is shown in that Jesus calls him a “devil” (diabolos) long before the final crisis when Satan entered into him and the betrayal kiss. (John 6:70)

It must be remembered that the miracles of Judas ministry were, as with the others, signs of Christ’s messiahship and had no direct reference to the experience of the individual concerned.  The other apostles had still to wait for the Pentecostal effusion.

Judas can never be used to oppose the security of the believer for, firstly, information on his spiritual position is scanty and, secondly, that which there is supports rather than opposes Eternal Security.

OBJECTION B, 3.

What about Demas who forsook Paul?

We are told that Demas had fallen because he loved this present world. 

How many Christians are not guilty of this to some degree. 

The Bible does not say he was lost, was in danger of being lost, or even that he was lost, was in danger of being lost, or even that he was ever saved. 

His name has merely been used as a point of conjecture to oppose the biblical security of the believer.

OBJECTION B, 4.

“But I knew a man who was saved and he…”

We can never dare to interpret the Bible by the standard of our or anyone else’s experience. 

We may assume a person’s salvation and be personally convinced of it but we must remember that the Bible says “judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.” (1 Corinthians 4:5). 

And so we also read,  “But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Romans 14:10).
 

OBJECTION B, 5.

How can eternal securists say that those who fall away were never saved?

May we emphasize that no true “securist” say for a fact that any wayward believer was never born-again. 

We do feel however, that God’s Word seriously questions a man’s spiritual profession when his life bears no evidence of it (1 John 2:4; Matthew 7:21-23; II Timothy 2:19; 1 John 2:19; James 2:14-26).

Only God knows beyond doubt how genuine any conversion actually is. 

Charles Finney taught that when dealing with a “backslider” we should at the outset ascertain whether or not he had a real experience of salvation in the first place.

Did not the Lord say: “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit” (Matthew 7:16-20). 

Was not James emphasizing this same truth when he said: “ Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?  Can a fig tree my brethren, bear olive berries? Either a vine, figs?” (James 3:11,12)

This is precisely why every Christian should make his “calling and election sure”, giving evidence that he is a child of God.

OBJECTION B, 6.

When a Christian backslides he loses the assurance of his salvation so he must have lost his salvation!

Our assurance of salvation derives from two sources:

the promise of the Word of God and the witness of the Holy Spirit. 

But the backslidden believer is one who no longer “feeds” upon the Word of God and he also grieved the Holy Spirit. 

Small wonder that he has lost the confidence of his own salvation.

However, the fact that he has neglected to bear the “fruit” of his salvation in no way infers that God has rooted up the tree. 

Our feelings never determine God’s action not do they negate His promise:

“he that believeth on the Son HATH everlasting life” (John 3:36)

 

Praise Jesus!  Now we can move onto Maturity.

If you find you have been really helped by this article and are walking with happily with Jesus again, please write to us and give us your testimony.