THE SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER Frank A. Viola 5721 Ridgestone Dr. Tampa, FL 33625 (813)960-7897 May 7, 1988 Introduction One of the most controversial topics among Christians today is that of the believer's security. The prominent question is, "Can a believer lose his salvation?" A doctrine commonly called "eternal security" suggests that it is impossible for a true believer to lose his salvation. The following are two major versions of eternal security: 1. If a person professes faith in Christ, he is saved forever and will never perish regardless of what he does later in life. Good works and discipleship are optional and have nothing to do with salvation. In fact, repentance from sin has nothing to do with salvation, for it is a work. Faith and works are not related. Grace abounds even if a person continues in sin after he professes Christ as his Saviour; his salvation cannot be affected. 2. If a person truly believes in Christ, he will never depart from Christ. Hence, he will never lose his salvation. A believer cannot stop believing once he has applied true faith in the Lord. Faith, if it is genuine, can never leave a person. If a person professes faith in Christ and then falls away from God, he was never truly saved. Both perspectives are based on passages in the Bible which emphasize the promises of security in Christ. However, these truths have been emphasized to such a degree that other parts of the Bible have been either twisted or ignored. The key to understanding the believer's security hinges on a proper concept of saving faith. The Bible does promise security in Christ, yet it also teaches the possibility of apostasizing. Both perspec- tives of eternal security misinterpret the doctrine of faith toward God in some respect. The following are common misconcep- tions that will be clarified in this paper: 1. True faith is unrelated to good works and obedience 2. True faith cannot be lost once it is possessed 3. True faith is the only condition for conversion 4. Repentance from sin is a work and is not necessary for one's salvation Faith and Works Good works are the expression of faith in Christ. Saving faith is an unseen force that will manifest itself in acts of obedience. Consider an analogy using the spirit and the body to explain the relationship between faith and works. A person's spirit is unseen and incorporeal, yet it manifests itself by giving life to the physical body. A person's living body reveals the presence of the spirit; a dead body reveals the absence of the spirit. Likewise, good works reveal the presence of faith in an individual. The Bible says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:26). In James 2:12-26, the Bible illustrates the relationship between faith and works. Abraham demonstrated his faith by offering up Isaac in obedience to God. Rahab demonstrated her faith by receiving the messengers of Israel. True faith will always express itself in corresponding actions. Faith that does not manifest itself in good works is dead and profits nothing. This kind of "faith" is what demons possess. James 3:19 says, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." Such counter- feit faith does not produce good works. Some have called this pseudo faith, "presumption," or "mental assent." Galatians 5:6 says, "For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by [expresses itself through] love." Faith which does not express itself in love cannot justify a person. The Bible states, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only...Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" (James 2:17,24). To say that faith and good works are in no way related is erroneous. This type of teaching can easily lead a person into having the type of faith that James rebukes, i.e., the faith without works. Many have been led into presuming that they had real faith, when in fact, all they possessed was a mere mental acknowledgement of the Lord. Scripture describes faith in the Lord as a dynamic virtue that will change a person's heart and actions. Consider the following verses that describe the great power of faith in the Lord: ... ALL THINGS are possible to him that BELIEVETH. -Mark 9:23 ... Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, BUT SHALL BELIEVE that those things which he saith shall come to pass; HE SHALL HAVE WHATSOEVER HE SAITH. Therefore I say unto you, What things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. -Mark 11:22-24 And he said unto her, Daughter, THY FAITH HATH MADE THEE WHOLE... -Mark 5:34 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way, THY FAITH HATH MADE THEE WHOLE. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. -Mark 10:52 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and AS THOU HAST BELIEVED, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. -Matthew 8:13 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing THEIR FAITH said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee... Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. -Matthew 9:2,5 Then touched he their eyes, saying, ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH be it unto you. And their eyes were opened... -Matthew 9:29,30 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: THY FAITH HATH MADE THEE WHOLE. -Luke 17:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have FAITH AND DOUBT NOT, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, BELIEVING, YE SHALL RECEIVE. -Matthew 21:21,22 And the Lord said, If ye had FAITH as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; AND IT SHOULD OBEY YOU. -Luke 17:6 And his name THROUGH FAITH in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. -Acts 3:16 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that HE HAD FAITH TO BE HEALED, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. -Acts 14:9,10 And put no difference between us and them, PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH. -Acts 15:9 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the POWER OF GOD unto salvation to everyone that BELIEVETH... -Romans 1:16 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh MIRACLES among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of FAITH. -Galatians 3:5 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who THROUGH FAITH and patience INHERIT THE PROMISES. -Hebrews 6:12 Who THROUGH FAITH subdued kingdoms, wrought righteous- ness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection. -Hebrews 11:33-37 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and THIS IS THE VICTORY THAT OVERCOMETH THE WORLD, EVEN OUR FAITH. -1 John 5:4 Through faith in the gospel, a person can experience the power of God to remove sin from his life and to experience healing and miracles. Faith is a complete trust and confidence in God and in His promises; it is the assurance of things that are not seen with the natural eye. Simply acknowledging the fact that Jesus is Lord will not save a person. One must put total faith in Him and in His word. This kind of faith is what will appropriate the power of the gospel to change a person's heart and actions. One perspective of eternal security teaches that faith in the Lord is nothing more than making a confession through a prayer. Often the faith that is taught is merely a presumption that will not save a person from their sin, but will only confirm their souls in unrighteousness. The fruit of such teaching is hypo- crisy. Salvation is seen as a "get out of jail free card" that one possesses upon saying the "sinner's prayer" (which is never mentioned in Scripture). The faith that receives the power of the gospel to save from sin is excluded in such teaching. The following Scriptures reveal how obedience, which is the expres- sion of faith, is linked with eternal life and the inheritance of God's kingdom: To them by patient continuance in WELL DOING seek for glory, and honour, and immortality, eternal life. But unto them that are contentious, and DO NOT OBEY THE TRUTH, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath...But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that WORKETH GOOD, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. -Romans 2:7,8,10 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that DOETH THE WILL OF GOD abideth for ever. -1 John 2:17 ...taking vengeance on them that know not God, and OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL of Jesus Christ. -2 Thessalonians 1:8 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. -Matthew 7:21 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye DID IT NOT unto the least of these my brethren, ye did it not unto men. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal. -Matthew 25:45,46 And he answered unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God and DO IT. -Luke 8:21 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS...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. -1 John 2:3; 3:10 Can a Person Lose Faith? In both perspectives of eternal security, saving faith is seen as something that is unconditionally permanent in a person's life. The idea is that if a person has "real faith", it is impossible for him to lose it. This idea confuses the revelation of Christ with faith. Although faith and the revelation of God are both related, they are distinct. For example, the revelation of Christ is essential for salvation and is only given to those He has called. In speaking about these things, Jesus said, "... flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17), "... I thank thee O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes" (Matthew 11:25), and "No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him ... Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me" (John 6:44,45). The Lord Jesus teaches us in these Scriptures that one needs to have a special revelation from God before he can believe on Christ. However, once a person receives the revelation of Christ, he can in fact refuse to put faith in Him. Keep in mind that faith is a trust and reliance in the truth, a yielding of the heart to Christ, and not simply a knowledge of what is true. When an individual obtains the revelation of Christ and refuses to apply faith in Jesus, he will be judged. This is referred to as "sinning against the light" or "willfully sinning." Matthew 6:23 says, "... If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" In such cases, a person may die knowing in his heart that Jesus is the Christ; however, through his own volition, he has chosen not to believe. A proper understanding of the doctrine of predestination clarifies this. God is partial in His calling, for not all receive the personal revelation of Christ. However, through the teaching of the parables and other passages, we find that one must be faithful to that call. This is because God does not override man's free will. Understanding the nature of faith and distinguishing it from the revelation of Christ will help a person see how faith can be cast away by choice. The revelation of Christ, when it is given by God, remains with a person. However, the duration of faith depends on an individual's will to exercise it. In showing how a person can depart from faith, I would like to establish the following points by Scripture. Each point discounts the misconception that faith is a permanent, con- tinuous, unchanging virtue. Keep in mind that when "faith" and "believe" are used in the following passages, they refer to the genuine faith that believers possess and not to the counterfeit, mental assent: A. Faith is a continual walk and believers are exhorted to continue to believe B. Faith can grow and increase C. Faith can be cast away and denied D. Those who cast away their faith lose their salva- tion, for it is by faith that one stands in God's grace A. Faith is a continual walk that the believer must exercise daily. Believers are exhorted to continue in the faith and are warned not to become removed from the gospel through un- belief. The following passages establish both of these points: Therefore, we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: For we WALK BY FAITH not by sight. -2 Corinthians 5:6,7 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed FROM FAITH TO FAITH: as it is written, The just shall LIVE BY FAITH. -Romans 1:17 Now the just shall LIVE BY FAITH and if any man DRAW BACK unto perdition, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. -Hebrews 10:38 And herein do I EXERCISE MYSELF to have ALWAYS a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward man. -Acts 24:16 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and FOLLOW AFTER righteousness, godliness, FAITH, love, patience, meekness. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH, lay hold on eternal life... -1 Timothy 6:11,12 Who are KEPT by the power of God THROUGH FAITH unto salvation ready to be revealed IN THE LAST TIME... Receiving the END OF YOUR FAITH, even the salvation of your souls. -1 Peter 1:5,9 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to CONTINUE IN THE FAITH, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. -Acts 14:22 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH; that ye being rooted in grounded in love... -Ephesians 3:16-19 ... yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, that he may present you holy and unblamable and unreproveable in his sight: IF YE CONTINUE IN THE FAITH grounded and settled, and BE NOT MOVED AWAY FROM THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL, which ye have heard... -Colossians 1:21-23 Flee also youthful lusts: but FOLLOW righteousness, FAITH, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. -2 Timothy 2:22 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH... -2 Timothy 4:7 Let us HOLD FAST THE PROFESSION OF OUR FAITH without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works. -Hebrews 10:23,24 HOLDING FAITH and a good conscience; which some having PUT AWAY CONCERNING FAITH have made shipwreck... -1 Timothy 1:19 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, IF THEY CONTINUE IN FAITH... -1 Timothy 2:15 As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews WHICH BELIEVED ON HIM, IF YE CONTINUE IN MY WORD, then are ye my disciples indeed. -John 8:30,31 Well; BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF they were broken off, and thou standest BY FAITH. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he spare thee, Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but on thee, goodness, IF THOU CONTINUE IN HIS GOODNESS: OTHERWISE THOU ALSO SHALT BE CUT OFF. -Romans 11:20-22 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, IF WE HOLD FAST THE CONFIDENCE and the rejoicing of the hope FIRM UNTO THE END. -Hebrews 3:6 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 Today; 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. -Hebrews 3:12-14 ... For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind... and hath FORGOTTEN THAT HE WAS PURGED from his old sins, Wherefore the rather, BRETHREN, give diligence to make your calling and election sure [stable, firm, fast]: 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. -2 Peter 1:8-12 ... I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which YE ARE SAVED, IF YE KEEP IN MEMORY what I preached unto you, unless ye have BELIEVED IN VAIN. -1 Corinthians 15:1,2 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall ENDURE UNTO THE END, the same shall be saved. -Matthew 24:12,13 B. Faith can grow and increase. There are degrees of faith. Faith can be great, strong, small, or weak in a person. Dif- ferent people have varying measures of faith: ... Verily I say unto you, I have not found so GREAT FAITH, no, not in Israel... -Matthew 8:10 ... shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of LITTLE FAITH? -Matthew 6:30 ... ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH be it unto you. -Matthew 9:29 O thou of LITTLE FAITH, wherefore didst thou doubt? -Matthew 14:31 ... O woman, GREAT IS THY FAITH: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. -Matthew 15:28 ... O ye of LITTLE FAITH, why reason among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? -Matthew 16:8 And the apostles said unto the Lord, INCREASE OUR FAITH. And the Lord said... So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. -Luke 17:5,6,10 And being not WEAK IN FAITH... He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was STRONG IN FAITH, giving glory to God. -Romans 4:19,20 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophecy ACCORDING TO THE PROPORTION OF FAITH... -Romans 12:6 Him that is WEAK IN THE FAITH receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. -Romans 14:1 Therefore as ye ABOUND IN everything, in FAITH, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence... -2 Corinthians 8:7 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because YOUR FAITH GROWETH EXCEEDINGLY, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth. -2 Thessalonians 1:3 C. Faith can fail and be cast away from an individual by choice. The Scripture mentions some who clearly possess true faith, and then cast it aside. Man, saved or unsaved, is a free moral agent; therefore, he can decide to trust and obey God or to doubt and disobey Him. Being born again does not preclude free moral agency: But I have prayed for thee, that THY FAITH FAIL NOT, and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. -Luke 22:32 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and take the away the word out of their hearts, lest thy should BELIEVE AND BE SAVED. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which FOR A WHILE BELIEVE, and in time of tempta- tion FALL AWAY. -Luke 8:11-13 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come A FALLING AWAY first... -2 Thessalonians 2:3 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall DEPART FROM THE FAITH, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. -1 Timothy 4:1 Holding faith, and a good conscience, which some having PUT AWAY CONCERNING FAITH have made shipwreck... -1 Timothy 1:19 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath DENIED THE FAITH, and is worse than an infidel. -1 Timothy 5:8 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have CAST OFF THEIR FIRST FAITH. -1 Timothy 5:11,12 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have ERRED FROM THE FAITH, pierced themselves through with many sorrows. -1 Timothy 6:10 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and OVERTHROW THE FAITH of some. -2 Timothy 2:18 ... and thou holdest fast my name, and HAST NOT DENIED MY FAITH... -Revelation 2:13 Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to COME SHORT OF IT. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word did not profit them, not being mixed with FAITH in them that heard it... Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of UNBELIEF... Let us labour therefore to enter into his rest, lest any man FALL AFTER THE SAME EXAMPLE OF UNBELIEF. -Hebrews 4:1,2,6,11 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being LED AWAY WITH THE ERROR OF THE WICKED, FALL FROM YOUR OWN STEDFASTNESS. -2 Peter 3:17 D. Those who depart from the faith lose their salvation. We are saved by grace through faith. It is by faith that we stand in God's grace; therefore, if we cast away our faith, we will fail to receive God's grace. These points are es- tablished by the following Scriptures: By whom also we have access BY FAITH INTO THIS GRACE wherein WE STAND, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. -Romans 5:2 ... For BY FAITH YE STAND... and THOU STANDEST BY FAITH... STAND FAST IN THE FAITH... -2 Corinthians 1:24; -Romans 11:20; -1 Corinthians 16:13 Looking diligently lest any man FAIL OF THE GRACE OF GOD... ye are FALLEN FROM GRACE... We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye RECEIVE NOT THE GRACE OF GOD IN VAIN. -Hebrews 12:15; -Galatians 5:4; -2 Corinthians 6:1 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 age 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. -Hebrews 6:4-8 I am the true vine, and my Father is the hus- bandman. EVERY BRANCH IN ME that beareth not fruit, HE TAKETH AWAY: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word I have spoken unto you. Abide in me and I in you... I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit... If a man ABIDE NOT IN ME, he is CAST FORTH AS A BRANCH, and is withered; and men gather them, AND CAST THEM INTO THE FIRE, and they are BURNED. -John 15:1-6 For if we sin wilfully after that we have RECEIVED the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much SORER PUNISHMENT, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, WHEREWITH HE WAS SANCTIFIED, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? -Hebrews 10:26-29 For when they [false prophets] speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, THOSE WHO WERE CLEAN escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 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 WITH 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 true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit AGAIN; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. -2 Peter 2:18-22 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white rainment; and I WILL NOT BLOT OUT HIS NAME OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, but I will confess him before my Father, and before his angels. -Revelation 3:5 Now the just shall live by FAITH: but if any man DRAW BACK, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION; but of them that believe unto the saving of the soul. -Hebrews 10:38,39 Brethren, IF ANY OF YOU DO ERR FROM THE TRUTH, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth THE SINNER from the error of his way shall SAVE A SOUL FROM DEATH, and shall hide a multitude of sins. -James 5:19,20 Necessary Elements for Conversion With such a heavy emphasis on saying a prayer to receive salvation, many today have not been properly rooted in the gospel. This is because repentance, which is the foundation for faith, is virtually ignored. The Scriptures teach that repentance is a necessary element in conversion. The message of Jesus and the Apostles was repent and believe. Consider the following verses that teach this: ... Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. -Mark 1:14,15 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. -Mark 6:12 ... except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. -Luke 13:5 ... for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. -Matthew 9:13 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. -John 3:36 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations... -Luke 24:47 ... they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. -Acts 11:18 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved... -Acts 16:31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. -Acts 17:30 ... that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. -Acts 26:20 Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. -Acts 20:21 Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. -Acts 2:38 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out... -Acts 3:19 ... not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God... -Hebrews 6:1 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:9 What is Repentance? Some versions of eternal security teach that repentance has nothing to do with turning from sin. According to such teaching, this would make repentance a work. However, the Bible teaches that repentance is not a work but a change of heart and mind concerning sin. Repentance is turning away from sin, just as faith is turning toward God. The following passages show that repentance is related to forsaking sin: There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were SINNERS above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were SINNERS above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise perish. -Luke 13:1-5 ... for I am not come to call the righteous, but SINNERS to repentance. -Matthew 9:13 ... and have not repented OF THE UNCLEANNESS AND FORNICATION AND LASCIVIOUSNESS which they have committed. -2 Corinthians 12:21 The men of Ninevah shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and a greater than Jonah is here ... And God saw their works, that they TURNED FROM THEIR EVIL WAY; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. -Matthew 12:41; -Jonah 3:10 ... repentance FROM DEAD WORKS. -Hebrews 6:1 Repent therefore OF THIS THY WICKEDNESS, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. -Acts 8:22 And I gave her space to repent OF HER FORNICATION; and she repented not. -Revelation 2:21 Behold I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent OF THEIR DEEDS. -Revelation 2:22 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not OF THE WORKS OF THEIR HANDS, THAT THEY SHOULD NOT WORSHIP DEVILS... neither repented they OF THEIR MURDERS, NOR OF THEIR SORCERIES, NOR OF THEIR FORNICATION, NOR OF THEIR THEFTS. -Revelation 9:20,21 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores, and repented not OF THEIR DEEDS. -Revelation 16:11 Although repentance is not a work, it will manifest itself in works (Matthew 21:28,29, Luke 3:7-9, Acts 26:20). Trying to apply faith without first repenting is like trying to build a house without first laying a solid foundation. A strong house must have a solid foundation or else it will fall under pressure. Faith without repentance is the same way. God's law came to lead man to repentance so that faith in Christ could be possible. Galatians 3:24 says, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [tutor] to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Romans 3:20 states, "... for by the law is the knowledge of sin." 1 Timothy 1:9 says, "Knowing this, that the law was not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane..." God's law convicts man of sin so that "every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God" (Romans 3:19). The law was designed to show man his need for a Saviour. When a sinner is convicted of his sin and forsakes it, he is then ready to put his trust in Jesus to deliver him from his sinful state. Christ came to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Repentance must precede faith, for how can Christ save man from his sin if he is unaware that he is a sinner? Why would a person trust Christ to save him from his sin if he does not want to be delivered from it? Without the groundwork of repentance, faith cannot be fully exercised. Many reject the message of repentance for they are not willing to count the cost (see Luke 14:25-35). In such cases, the sinner refuses to part from his sin because he loves its pleasures. Jesus said, "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved" (John 3:19,20). However, due to the eternal security doctrine, many have never heard the message of repen- tance and counting the cost. When repentance is left out of the gospel and the law is neglected, individuals do not really understand why they need Christ. Their motives for accepting Christ are for reasons other than to be free from sin. Some view faith in Christ as something optional that will bring them happiness or added success in life, rather than something they desperately need to be accepted by God. Faith without repentance from sin produces carnal Christians. Such teaching has been guilty of producing "Christians" (followers of Christ) who do not really follow Christ. Receiving the Knowledge of the Truth The Bible teaches that a person can fall from grace through unbelief after he has received the knowledge of the truth (Hebrews 10:26). The eternal security doctrine teaches that this Scripture refers to those who have simply heard the gospel and rejected it. The following passages use the phrase "receiving the knowledge of the truth" or "the acknowledgment of the truth." In these verses, the Greek word epignosis is translated "knowledge" and "acknowledge." The context of each passage reveals that these terms refer to true faith. "The knowledge of the truth" is the complete spiritual understanding of the gospel. If an individual receives the knowledge of the truth, he knows God. The verses below show that in order for unbelievers to be saved, they need to "come to" or "receive" the knowledge of the truth: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO the knowledge of the truth. -2 Timothy 3:5-7 Who will have all men TO BE SAVED, and TO COME UNTO the knowledge of the truth. -1 Timothy 2:4 For if we sin willfully after that we have RECEIVED the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins ... Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, WHEREWITH HE WAS SANCTIFIED, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? -Hebrews 10:26,29 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them REPENTANCE TO the acknowledging of the truth; and THAT THEY MAY RECOVER THEMSELVES out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at will. -2 Timothy 2:25 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth WHICH IS AFTER GODLINESS. -Titus 1:1 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all the riches of the FULL ASSURANCE OF UNDERSTANDING, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ. -Colossians 2:2 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. -1 John 2:23 One of the strongest passages exposing the fallacy of the eternal security doctrine is Hebrews 6:4-8. The passage reads... For it is impossible for those who were once en- lightened, 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 age 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. According to the eternal security teaching, this passage is referring to individuals who have only heard the gospel and rejected it. Other versions of the doctrine suggest that the whole passage is dealing with a hypothetical situation that would be impossible in reality. However, a careful reading of the passage along with other Scripture reveals that the writer is referring to the consequences of those who partake of Christ and then turn away from Him. The passage reads... Hebrews 6 teaches that if a person "falls away", it is impossible to renew him again unto repentance. The writer describes the characteristics of such persons in the following ways: 1. They were once enlightened 2. They have tasted the heavenly gift 3. They were made partakers of the Holy Ghost 4. They have tasted the good word of God 5. They have tasted the powers of the age to come 6. If they fall away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance Do these six characteristics describe the experience of a believer or a sinner? To answer this question, I will compare each point with other Scriptures. Being Once Enlightened The phrase "once enlightened" refers to the revelation of Christ that one receives before conversion. Such individuals are called by God and receive illumination and understanding by the Holy Spirit concerning the Person of Christ. The Greek word for enlightened is photizo and it means to shed rays, i.e., to brighten up, shine, give light, or to make see. This same Greek word is used in Hebrews 10:32 and is translated "illuminated." Hebrews 10:32 says, "But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after YE WERE ILLUMINATED, ye endured a great flight of afflictions." In describing the effect of His parables, Jesus said, "... lest at any time they should SEE with their eyes, and HEAR with their ears, and should UNDERSTAND with their heart, AND SHOULD BE CONVERTED..." (Matthew 13:15). According to the Lord, seeing, hearing, and understanding (illumination) is essential for conversion. Thus illumination is the first work of God in true conversion. Tasting the Heavenly Gift and the Holy Ghost Hebrews 6 also states that these individuals "tasted the heavenly gift" and "were made partakers of the Holy Ghost." The word "tasted" is used three times in this passage. According to the dictionary, taste means to experience, try, or detect the flavor of something, to eat or drink a little. Taste is used metaphorically in this passage to describe an experience. The in- dividuals described have to some degree experienced God's gift from heaven. The gift could be referring to eternal life (Romans 6:23), righteousness (Romans 5:15), or Christ Himself (John 6:32- 35). The passage also states that they were partakers of the Holy Ghost. The Greek word for "partaker" is metochos. According to several Greek lexicons, this word means a participant, a sharer, and an associate. It is also translated "partner". No man can partake of God's Spirit if he does not belong to Christ (Romans 8:9 & John 14:17). Only true believers are "partakers of the heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1), "partakers of Christ" (Hebrews 3:14), and "partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel" (Ephesians 3:6). Tasting the Good Word of God Only a regenerate person can taste [experience] the good word of God. In order to understand this description clearer, it will be helpful to see what type of believers the Hebrew writer is referring to. According to Hebrews 5:11-12, the writer is speaking to "babes" in Christ. He says, "... seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not strong meat. For everyone that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe... Therefore, leaving the first principles of the doctrine of Christ [the milk], let us go on unto perfection..." (Hebrews 5:11-6:1). The Hebrew believers were saved for a long time for they should have been teachers (v.12). However, they were unskillful in the word of righteous- ness and could not bear strong meat. The writer's rebuke was that they were still on milk when they should have been eating meat. They were spiritual babes. He goes on to warn them that they must go on unto perfection or else they will fall away (Hebrews 6:1- 4). One cannot remain stagnant in the spiritual walk. The main point of the chapter is that believers must progress or else they will regress. "Having tasted the good word of God" refers to the born again experience. The Apostle Peter uses similar language to describe spiritual babes. 1 Peter 1:23-2:3 says, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever...Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and evil speakings, as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." Peter shows us clearly that the babe in Christ has tasted the Lord. He also states that such persons are born again (1 Peter 1:23). Likewise, the babes in Christ that the author of Hebrews is referring to are also born again for they have "tasted" the good word of God as well. Tasting the Powers of the Age to Come "Tasting the powers of the age to come" describes the experience of God's miraculous power on earth. The "age to come" refers to the complete manifestation of God's kingdom at Christ's return. Those who believe in Christ taste or experience the power of that kingdom now. In order for anyone to partake of God's power, one has to be a part of that kingdom. The following passages describe that the power of God's kingdom is available now for the believer: "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17), "But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power, for the kingdom of God in not in word, but in power" (1 Corinthians 4:19,20), "For our gospel came not in word only, but in power..." (1 Thessalonians 1:5), "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you" (Matthew 12:28), "And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" (Luke 10:9), "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:4,5), "... which hath made us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Colossians 1:12,13). The blessings that believers partake of now, i.e., the righteous- ness, joy, peace, gifts of the Spirit, etc. are just a taste of what is to come in the following age. Peter said that he was "a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed" (1 Peter 5:1). The unbeliever and hypocrite have no part or inheritance in such glory and power. The Impossibility of Renewed Repentance The author of Hebrews warns that if a person falls away, he cannot be renewed again unto repentance. This implies that such individuals had repented previously. The passage goes on to say that they crucify to themselves Christ again and that their end is to be burned (Hebrews 6:6-8). This is why they cannot be renewed again unto repentance. The words "fall away" hinder many people from accepting the clear teaching of this passage. Many testify that they have known people who have "backslid" and then returned to the Lord. They say that these people fell away and then were restored. The problem is that they define "falling away" differently than the author of Hebrews. According to the book of Hebrews, to fall away means to apostasize, to sin willfully, to crucify Christ afresh, and to despise His Spirit and sacrifice. Individuals who commit this sin, knowingly and willfully reject Christ. Hebrews 6:4-8 is a warning and an exhortation for believers to go on unto perfection. The writer later says in verse 9 that he is "persuaded better things" of them [the Hebrew Christians], indicating that he does not expect them to fall into apostasy. However, the warning still stands for all believers. Some versions of eternal security teach that the Hebrew writer is posing a non-realistic hypothetical situation in this passage. This interpretation is without foundation for several reasons. First, the context and the tenor of this passage does not permit the author to use an unrealistic situation. Second, there are other similar warnings in the book of Hebrews, of which all carry the same serious tenor (see Hebrews 2:1-3, 3:7-11, 10:26-39, 12:15-29). Third, the Bible is filled with warnings of judgment, hell, punishment, loss of reward, etc., which are all realistic in nature. Fourth, it is illogical and not in harmony with the rest of Scripture to warn someone of something that cannot occur. What would be the purpose of warning someone of losing his salvation if it is impossible for him to lose it? Such an explanation seems to be an attempt to change the meaning of Scripture to uphold an embraced doctrine. The roots of error are often planted when individuals embrace a doctrine before they have been exposed to all the facts concerning it. Security in Christ Despite the extreme emphasis that some have put on the believer's security, the Bible does teach that a believer is secure in Christ as long as he believes. There are many promises that show what God's perfect will is for those who believe in Jesus. Without God's grace in our lives, we would be lost. The Lord has promised to keep us from falling and to continue with us to the end. He has also promised that there is nothing in this world that can separate us from His great love. We must always keep in mind that these promises are to those who continue to stand in His grace by faith. The implied or stated condition for receiving God's precious promises is always faith (Hebrews 6:12). The following are some promises of God's power to keep the believer safe, secure, and protected in His love: Now unto him that is able to KEEP YOU FROM FALLING, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. -Jude 24 ... in whom also after that ye believed, ye were SEALED WITH THAT HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE. -Ephesians 1:13 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby YE ARE SEALED unto the day of redemption. -Ephesians 4:30 Verily, verily, I say unto you, HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME HATH EVERLASTING LIFE. -John 6:47 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. -John 10:27-29 And THIS IS THE FATHER'S WILL, that of all which he hath given me I SHOULD LOSE NOTHING, but should raise it up again at the last day. -John 6:39 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 things we are more than con- querors THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor prin- cipalities, 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 8:33-38 Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH. -Hebrews 12:2 Herein is our love made perfect, THAT WE MAY HAVE BOLDNESS IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT... -1 John 4:17 If we confess our sins, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US OUR SINS, AND TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. -1 John 1:9 ... And if any man sin, WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER, Jesus Christ the righteous. -1 John 2:1 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE. So that we may boldly say, THE LORD IS MY HELPER, AND I WILL NOT FEAR WHAT MAN SHALL DO UNTO ME. -Hebrews 13:5-6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which begun a good work in you WILL PERFORM IT UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST... For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to DO OF HIS GOOD PLEASURE... -Philippians 1:6, 2:13 And FEAR NOT THEM WHICH SHALL KILL THE BODY, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which also is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. -Matthew 10:28 ... and NOTHING by any means shall HURT YOU. -Luke 10:19 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT. -John 6:37 ... and lo, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY, even unto the end of the world. -Matthew 28:20 Conclusion In conclusion, the doctrine of eternal security is er- roneous for several reasons. It is based on several misconcep- tions of faith and an overemphasis on certain truths. Some versions of the doctrine are much more dangerous than others, the fruit of them being hypocrisy and carnality. Those who believe in Christ are eternally secure. However, if one chooses to depart from the way of faith, he is no longer secure. God's grace is only appropriated by faith, and faith is exercised through a person's will. Having an understanding of the believer's security does not license Christians to judge the salvation of others. There is no profit or virtue in judging whether or not a person was truly saved or not after they have fallen away. It is best to leave such judgment to God. However, this does not mean that one should assume that a fallen brother is in no danger because he said "the prayer." The Bible says that we must judge sin and restore those who are overtaken in a fault. A question often asked is, "At what point does a person lose salvation?" Such a question is unprofitable (see Titus 3:9). God's grace and longsuffering is great. He gives some space to repent (Revelation 2:21), and He continually forgave Israel even after divorcing her (Jeremiah 3:1-25). However, God's mercy does not negate the possibility of apostasy. The Bible makes a distinction between willful sins and sins of weakness and deception. The important thing to keep in mind when examining all of these things is that believers must do their part. This includes exhorting one another to continue to believe, provoking one another unto love and good works, restoring the fallen, and holding fast to the faith whereby they stand in God's grace. Understanding the nature of faith will help one discover the true teaching of our security in Christ as well as to expose the heresies concerning it. If we see a brother in sin, instead of wondering if he has sinned willfully or assuming that he is no danger, we should attempt to convert and restore him; "knowing that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:19,20). It is with this mind that we should approach a backslidden brother or sister and "restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). As for ourselves, we should heed the words of Paul who said, "Be not high-minded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches [the Jews], take heed lest he also spare thee" (Romans 11:20,21). Faith is a continual walk. Believers must continue to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, and "stand fast in the faith" (1 Corinthians 16:13).
For other papers in this series, see the following files: MUSIC.ARC - Biblical guidelines for judging music. 2ADVENT.ARC - analysis of post-trib & pre-trib rapture doctrines. ../