Is Calvinism Biblical? How do Calvinistic views agree or disagree with the Bible? Are Calvinism and predestination Biblical? The following article from The Christian Post, January 7, 2025, examines these issues.
The Gospel according to Calvinism
“The salvation of a single soul is more important than the production or preservation of all the epics and tragedies in the world … The glory of God, and, as our only means to glorifying Him, the salvation of human souls, is the real business of life” (C.S. Lewis).
In Luke Chapter 2 we get an account of the first words spoken by Jesus in the Gospels, “ … I must be about My Father’s business” (Luke 2:49 NKJV)read more
“Is ‘Eternal Security’ a Biblical Teaching? – John 15:6
Is the doctrine of “eternal security,” “once saved, always saved,” supported by the Bible?
Is the doctrine of “Eternal Security,” also known as “Once Saved, Always Saved,” a Biblical teaching? Being “saved” is a Biblical teaching. For example, “For in this hope we were saved” (Romans 8:24 NIV). But, is it true that this is a “one and done” experience?
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing. Anyone who who does not remain is thrown away like a branch—and withers; these branches are collected and thrown on the fire and are burnt”—John 15:5,6 NJBread more
Does 1 John 5:13 Prove “Once Saved, Always Saved”?
Is “Once saved, always saved,” a Biblical teaching?
Is the doctrine of eternal security supported by the Bible?”
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13 NASB; LSB).
THE ASSERTIONS
It is asserted by the proponents of the “Once Saved, Always Saved” doctrine that 1 John 5:13, among other scriptures, proves this belief to be Scriptural. One of the main fallacies of reasoning is “over-simplification.” While every scripture in the “inspired” word of God, from Genesis through Revelation, is true (2 Timothy 3:16; John 17:17), the scriptures must be “accurately” handled (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB: LSB). As is very typical of all false doctrines, 1 John 5:13 is taken out of context, and used in a way that John never intended, to prove the “Once Saved, Always Saved” doctrine.read more
Must a Christian Work So As Not To Lose Salvation?
Must a Christian work, or make effort, so as not to lose salvation? Many people who believe in the doctrine of “eternal security” don’t think so. They say all you have to do is believe in Jesus, and “once saved, always saved”, and that your Christian works are completely irrelevant to your salvation. But what does the Bible say? Let’s find out.Must a Christian put forth any effort so as not to lose salvation?
“Work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away.” (2 Pt 1:10 NLT) The Bible does not say we’re saved by works. However, a “called and chosen” Christian can “fall away” if he does not “work hard.”
“‘What must we do, to be doing the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.'” (John 6:28-29 ESV) Believing in Jesus is a work that Christians must do.
“For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11 ESV)read more
Salvation Through Faith – What About Christian Works?
In our previous article on salvation, we established that the Bible does not support the eternal salvation (or “once saved, always saved”) doctrine. So how is a Christian saved? Is it by doing good deeds and refraining from doing bad things? Is salvation attained by Christian works? Or is it by faith alone? If by faith alone, then where do Christian works fit in? Let’s see what the Bible has to say on this matter.
Do Christian works produce salvation, or does salvation produce Christian works?
“Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done.” (Ephesians 2:9 NLT) The same verse in the NIV says that salvation is “not by works.” So obviously, the Bible says our own works cannot save us. It is not saying that as Christians, we should not be doing good works. Rather, it is saying that salvation is not attained simply by doing good works.
“To cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.” (Titus 2:14 CSB) We Christians should be eager to do good works.
“To equip his people for works of service.” (Ephesians 4:12 NIV) So God’s people, Christians, are saved and continuously equipped for “works of service.” So rather than being the mechanism by which Christians are saved, good works are actually a product of salvation. A Christian who is truly saved will be equipped by God for good works and will therefore be fully able to accomplish these works.
Some modern-day Christians have been taught to believe in the doctrine known as “eternal security” (commonly known as “once saved, always saved”). But is this belief scriptural? Let’s allow the scriptures to speak for themselves.
Is the doctrine of eternal security supported by the Bible?
“I mention it that you may be saved” (John 5:34 NIV). Notice Jesus says, “you may be saved”, not ‘you are saved, case closed, period’, as some would have us believe”. Salvation is not guaranteed to everyone, or anyone. See Matthew 7:21-23.
Many modern Christians believe in the doctrine known as “eternal security” (commonly known as “once saved, always saved”). But is this belief scriptural? Let’s allow the scriptures to speak for themselves.
“I mention it that you may be saved.” (John 5:34 NIV). Salvation is not guaranteed to everyone, or anyone. See Mt 7:21-23.
“For in this hope you were saved.” (Romans 8:24 NIV). In one sense, salvationis past tense.
