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, salvation  is past tense.

“It is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV).

“To us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV).  In another sense, salvation is an ongoing process.

“We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved.” (2 Corinthians 2:15 NIV) Salvation began at baptism and this process continues during a Christian’s life.

“The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22 NIV) To be finally saved, we must be faithful to the end, and not give up. The “Once saved, always saved” doctrine, or teaching, is unscriptural because it contradicts the scriptures.

“Not by works.” (Ephesians 2:9 NIV) Obviously, our own works, in and of themselves, cannot save us.

However, God’s servants have always been characterized by their their good works for God. For example:

“But Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was checked. This was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come” (Psalm 106:30,31 NIV).

“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.

“That slave whose master finds him working when he comes will be rewarded.” (Matthew 24:46 CSB) Christians are expected by God and Christ to work as Christians. See Matthew 25:14-46; Matthew 24:45-51; Luke 12:42-48; Luke 19:11-27.

“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.”

“You have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1 CSB) A Christian who is not working for God and Christ is spiritually dead.

“For I have not found your works complete before my God.” (Revelation 3:2 CSB) While no amount of Christian works can save the Christian, works of Christian service are vital for a Christian so that Jesus “will never erase his name from the book of life.” (Revelation 3:5 CSB)