Some churches, at the close of their Sunday service, have what is known as an “altar call”, where attendees are invited to the front of the church, and speak with the preacher, with some becoming very emotional. After this the preacher sometimes announces to the congregation that ‘so and so’ has been “saved”. Indeed, according to some Christians, all one has to do is “believe in Jesus, and they will be saved”. At that point in time, that person is “saved” for all time, and can never lose their “salvation”. Is this true? Is salvation really that easy, and guaranteed from that point forward, no matter what? read more
“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”’” (Isaiah 46:10New International Version) There is no question that the one who has “perfect knowledge” ( Job 36:4 NIV), Almighty God “knows everything” (1 John 3:20 NIV), so everything CAN be “foreknown” (1 Peter 1:20 LSB) by him. There have been numerous cases that are Biblically documented where he has demonstrated his unique ability to foreknow the future about many things, including individuals. The Bible is clear that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). However, just because he CAN know everything in advance, does that mean he does know everything in advance? While we will deal with this subject in general, this article will focus on the question, “does Almighty God foreknow each person’s eternal destiny?”
RELEVANT FACTS WE KNOW ABOUT GOD
Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (NIV). “This phrase suggests that humans have an innate sense of the eternal, a longing for something beyond the temporal world. This concept is unique to humanity, as it reflects . . . the image of God in which humans were created (Genesis 1:27). The awareness of eternity points to a spiritual dimension that transcends earthly existence, indicating a divine purpose and destiny. This longing for eternity can be seen in various cultures and religions throughout history, where people seek meaning beyond the material world. It also connects to the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:2)” (Bible Hub Study Bible). We know that, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Would such a loving Almighty God put such a concept of, and desire for, “eternity” without any way to achieve it? – Hardly!
We know that “God . . . cannot lie” (Titus 1:2), and the “hope” that he offers “will not lead to disappointment” (Romans 5:5 NLT).
The scriptures refer to “foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Peter 1:2 NIV), and “God’s settled purpose and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23Weymouth New Testament) of certain important events.There is no question that God has chosen to foreknow, and even to “purpose”, or “foreordain” (1 Peter 1:20 NKJV) certain events in advance. But, does God foreknow everything that will ever happen in advance, including each person’s eternal destiny?
GOD CAN RESTRAIN HIS POWERS
Isaiah 42:14 – “For a long time I have held my peace; I have kept still and restrained myself” (English Standard Version). “The Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:11) has unlimited powers. “The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power” (Job 37:23New International Version). The Bible is also clear that he also has perfect self-control, “perfect patience” (1 Timothy 1:16 NASB), over those powers. That is, he controls his use of his powers to suit his purpose. Instead of using all of them indiscriminately, he exercises discriminate use of his powers. The thought of Almighty God using self control, or restraint, might, on the surface, seem strange. But, if we think through that a little bit, it is completely reasonable to think of him as doing so. Otherwise, wouldn’t he be out of control, even uncontrolled? For example, he has the power to destroy every human, and he has the power to give every human eternal life. But he will do neither. He will selectively give some eternal life, and some eternal death (Matthew 7:13,14).
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF GOD NOT USING HIS FOREKNOWLEDGE
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)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 2:8 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.
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.
“For in this hope we were saved” (Romans 8:24 NIV).“It is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:5). As these verses show, in one sense, salvation is past tense.“I mention it that you may be saved.” (John 5:34)
“To us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV). “We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved.” (2 Corinthians 2:15 NIV). “Being saved” in these two verses is in the present tense. Salvation began at baptism and this process continues during a Christian’s life, as long as he/she is faithful. So in another sense, salvation is an ongoing process for Christians.
“The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”(Matthew 10:22; 24:13). To be finally saved, we must be faithful to the end, and not give up. According to the Scriptures, “Once saved, always saved” is unscriptural. This may be surprising for some, but it is true.
The Apostle Paul did not consider anyone, including himself, to have eternal security
This can be clearly seen from the Apostle Paul’s candid discussion of his “goal” in Philippians 3:11-14:
“And so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
These verses make it obvious that Paul did not consider himself “once saved, always saved.” Other verses he wrote will also emphasize this point.
“For in this hope you were saved.”(Romans 8:24). Paul speaks of salvation in the past tense. “But…” But what? “Hope that is seen is not hope at all.” (Romans 8:24) So the salvation Roman Christians had received was not finalized, otherwise it would “be seen,” which “is no hope at all.” This can be seen in the final part of verse 24: “Who hopes for what they already have?”
“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”(Romans 8:25). Paul is saying “the redemption of our bodies” referred to in verse 23 is not yet attained. Therefore, the “salvation” referred to in verse 24 is not yet finalized. These Christians are not “once saved, always saved.”
“I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be =&0=&Paul here mentions the fact that he could potentially become disqualified in the race for life if he did not control himself. Obviously, Paul did not consider himself to be “Once Saved, Always Saved.”
Jude Did Not Believe In Eternal Security
Some preach a gospel that leads people to believe that salvation is as simple as one’s making a declaration such as “I believe that Jesus died for my sins”. The Scriptures, however, tell us differently.
Jude gives us another excellent example of the unscriptural thinking of the eternal security theology. Jude wanted to write about:
But he decided it was more urgent to “remind you … the Lord first saved a people out of Egypt.” (Jude 1:5HCSB) After the Israelites and their companions crossed the Red Sea “out of Egypt” they had salvation in a sense, in some ways like “the salvation we share” as Christians, that Jude wanted to write about.
“And later destroyed those who did not believe.” (Jude 1:5HCSB) Just as many of the “once saved” Israelites and their companions were “destroyed” (Numbers 11:33,34; 14:29; 15:36; 16:31-35; 21:6; 25:9), Jude uses this example as a warning that salvation is contingent on faithfully continuing on in their godly course. Thus, salvation is not eternal security.
“By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:3 NIV). Notice the phrase, “IF you hold firmly to the word,” indicating no one’s salvation is guaranteed, but, rather, is predicated upon continuing obedience. Each Christian must faithfully continue to obey God and his word to the end of their life (Matthew 24:13).
Are humans predestined, or do they have free will?
‘Predestination’ is a word often used to signify God’s foreordaining of all events of world history — past, present, and
future. This usage is quite appropriate. In Scripture and historic Protestant theology, ‘predestination’ refers specifically to God’s decision, made in eternity before the world existed, regarding the final destinies of individual persons . . . it is usual in Protestant theology to define predestination as including both God’s decision to save some from sin (election) and the corresponding decision not to save others (reprobation)”—The Reformation Study Bible, page 1345read more
