Have you ever heard the expression, “Once saved, always saved”? Most often it is an accusation leveled by those opposing the eternal security of the believer. A straw man (imaginary opponent or argument) is set up in order to argue against it and disprove it. In this case, the argument goes something like this – “You people believe that you can be saved, then live a life that shows no evidence of being a Christian, and yet go to heaven.” We’ve seen from the Scriptures that our biblical basis for believing that one truly born of God is safe and secure for all eternity is the finished work of Christ (1 Pet. 1:18, 19).
But what about those who would glibly say, “Once saved, always saved,” believing at the same time that one can live in sin? Far too many have laid hold of the simplicity of the gospel (just believe in Jesus) without understanding what God’s Word says about sin and repentance. Some may have never truly, with conviction of their sinful condition, come to Christ. Thus they show no interest in discipleship or continuing interest in the Word of God and a life of obedience. Yet, they readily turn away all inquiries as to their true relationship with God with their ready statement, “Once saved, always saved.” It is true, some true believers, untaught in the truths of the Word, may stumble and fall into sin, yet God’s Spirit will not allow the child of God to dwell therein permanently. King David’s experience in Psalm 32 and 51 stands as evidence of God’s working in conviction of sin to draw back to Himself the true child of God. Friend, if today, you have sincere question about your relationship to God in Christ, then come to Him now in repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21).
But what about those who would glibly say, “Once saved, always saved,” believing at the same time that one can live in sin? Far too many have laid hold of the simplicity of the gospel (just believe in Jesus) without understanding what God’s Word says about sin and repentance. Some may have never truly, with conviction of their sinful condition, come to Christ. Thus they show no interest in discipleship or continuing interest in the Word of God and a life of obedience. Yet, they readily turn away all inquiries as to their true relationship with God with their ready statement, “Once saved, always saved.” It is true, some true believers, untaught in the truths of the Word, may stumble and fall into sin, yet God’s Spirit will not allow the child of God to dwell therein permanently. King David’s experience in Psalm 32 and 51 stands as evidence of God’s working in conviction of sin to draw back to Himself the true child of God. Friend, if today, you have sincere question about your relationship to God in Christ, then come to Him now in repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21).