First Southern Baptist Church

Of Avondale

 

1001 N. Central Avenue 

Avondale, AZ  85323  623 932-2723
 
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I Believe In The Eternal Security Of The Believer
By Pastor Jack Marslender, Posted October 29, 2002
 

There is much confusion over the nature of salvation, especially regarding the security of salvation.  The question is simple:  When a person receives salvation from God, is that person guaranteed eternal salvation, or is there a chance that the salvation can be lost?  I believe that the answer is also simple:  I believe that when a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior, then that person is saved for all eternity. 

I did not come to this conclusion because I am a Baptist—although most Baptists have long believed this.  I did not come to this conclusion just because I want to believe it—although I certainly don't want to believe the alternative.  I have come to this conclusion after a thorough study of the Bible (and reading pro and con arguments from others).  I believe that it is the Biblical teaching.

Here is the "short version" of the Biblical teachings that contribute to the doctrine of the security of the believer. 

  1. The name of salvation.  Over and over again, our salvation is called "eternal" or "everlasting life."  Can something that is "on" today and "off" tomorrow  honestly be called eternal?  (Salvation is described in these terms at least 50    times in the New Testament.  See John 3:16 and note that no conditions are added to "everlasting.")

  2. The nature of salvation.  Salvation is an act of grace.  It is not given to us because we deserve it in any way or because we have earned it.  (Ephesians 2:8 9)   It's not granted to us on the basis of our works, so it cannot be lost on the basis of works.  If we say that we have to serve God, or follow the ten commandments, or stay in the church, or refrain from sinning, or any other type of "work" to keep our salvation, then we have salvation by works—not salvation by grace.

  3. The assurance of salvation. The New Testament is very clear on the fact that God wants us to live with the assurance of our salvation.  (For example, see I John 5:13.)   Obviously, "assurance" is not really "assurance" if we can lose our salvation tomorrow. 

  4. The promises of salvation.  There are some very great and wonderful Biblical passages that promise that we cannot lose our salvation.  See Ephesians 1:13 14, John 10:28 29, Romans 8:37 39, and 1 Peter 1:3 5 for a few examples.

We can have real assurance of eternal salvation!

At the same time, though, there are some cautions that should be understood before we proclaim our eternal security: 

  1. This doctrine presupposes a real saving experience with the Lord.  Sadly, there are many people who attend church or proclaim to be Christians who have never repented of their sins and placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  You cannot keep what you never received in the first place.

  2. A person who has truly been saved is a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), is called to serious discipleship (Luke 14:27), has the Holy Spirit, (Ephesians 1:13), and is called to live a holy life.  (Ephesians 1:4). If there is no repentance of sin, no attempt at a new life and no evidence of a work of grace, a person should seriously evaluate his/her salvation.

My conclusion is simple:  If you have been saved by God's and have put your faith in Jesus Christ, there will be evidence of that salvation.  Your salvation is secure. 

If you have not turned to Jesus Christ in faith, you have not been saved, and you have no assurance of salvation and you are currently headed toward hell.  It doesn't matter whether or not you go to church.  It doesn't help for you to "reform" your life.  Only Christ can save you, and He is willing to do so whenever
you are ready to repent of your sin and place your faith in Him!