The idea of eternal security, also sometimes referred to as “once saved, always saved,” raises essential questions about how salvation and sin are connected. Can a believer lose their salvation? Or does God’s grace ensure that a person who’s saved stays saved no matter what they do?
The Bible gives us different insights on these topics. Understanding them can lead to deeper spiritual growth and clarity on how sin impacts our eternal standing with God.
Here are 10 Biblical perspectives that will help you understand what the Scriptures say about eternal security and sin.
Biblical Basis for Eternal Security
The Bible presents several key passages that form the foundation for the belief in eternal security. One of the most well-known is John 10:28-29 where Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 8:38-39 saying, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” These verses describe a loving and powerful God who protects His people by giving them eternal life that cannot be revoked.
However, this assurance of salvation doesn’t give believers the freedom to live without regard for obedience. Eternal security is rooted in a life transformed by Christ. Those who are truly saved will demonstrate their faith by seeking to live according to God’s will. This security may give believers peace by knowing that salvation is not easily lost, but it also requires a commitment to faithfulness.
The Role of Faith
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
What we can understand from the verse above is that salvation comes through faith, not from anything we do. Once we trust in Jesus, salvation is given as a gift that cannot be earned or lost by human effort. Yet, faith is not a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing relationship with God that grows over time. True faith brings about a life of obedience and spiritual growth, as noted in James 2:26, which says, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
Faith also shields us against doubts and fear about our eternal destiny. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith. We need to trust that God’s promise of salvation is secure. It’s this daily reliance on God that reinforces our security in Him, showing that true faith endures despite the struggles of life.
Theological Foundations
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
Reformed theology holds that salvation begins solely with God and that His grace carries us through our lives. The promise in the verse above assures believers that the good work God initiated in them will be completed by the time of Christ’s return. This perspective emphasizes that since salvation is God’s work, He ensures its fulfillment without human interference.
Moreover, the theological understanding of grace teaches us that salvation is an unmerited gift. This is made clear by Ephesians 2:8-9. The notion of eternal security builds on this concept, arguing that since we didn’t earn our salvation, we cannot lose it through our imperfections. God’s grace is the bedrock that supports the believer’s confidence in their eternal destiny.
The Universal Problem of Sin
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23
The verse above addresses the issue of sin that affects everyone. However, through Jesus’ sacrifice, those who believe are made righteous through faith. Although sin remains in the life of a believer, it no longer has the authority to bring condemnation. For those in Christ, there is no condemnation. This means that while sin is present, it cannot undo the salvation given by God.
Still, sin is a serious issue that can impact a believer’s relationship with God. Ongoing, unrepentant sin is harmful to an individual’s spirituality. While eternal security ensures that salvation is not lost, sin should never be dismissed casually. The New Testament frequently urges believers to pursue holiness, living in accordance with their new identity in Christ, while relying on His grace to overcome sin.
Warnings Against Apostasy
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace.” – Hebrews 6:4-6
The passage above presents a serious message about those who have experienced God’s goodness but have turned away. It raises the question of whether eternal security means salvation can never be lost. These cautions are designed to warn believers of the risks of straying from their faith and to encourage them to remain steadfast in their journey with God.
However, these warnings don’t necessarily contradict the idea of eternal security. They can be viewed as reminders about the dangers of shallow faith or insincere belief. Genuine believers, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, will persevere in their faith, even when faced with hardships. The warnings serve as a call to remain watchful, not to undermine the assurance that God offers to those truly saved.
Conditional vs Unconditional Security
This ongoing debate between conditional and unconditional security revolves around whether a believer’s salvation depends on their continued faith and obedience or if it is guaranteed no matter what. Those who hold to conditional security often point to verses like Matthew 24:13, which says, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved,” to argue that perseverance is necessary. In contrast, proponents of unconditional security highlight passages like John 6:37, where Jesus promises, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
Both perspectives are backed by Scripture, but they share a common understanding: genuine faith leads to a life that reflects commitment to God. Eternal security should not be interpreted as a way to live without responsibility. Rather, it serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering love, encouraging believers to remain faithful and endure in their spiritual journey.
God’s Role in Salvation
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” – John 6:44
In the verse above, Jesus made it clear that no one can come to Him unless drawn by the Father. This highlights the divine initiative in salvation, affirming that God is actively involved in bringing people to Himself and sustaining them in their faith.
Because salvation is initiated and sustained by God, eternal security rests not on human effort but on divine promise. If it were up to our ability to keep ourselves saved, we would surely fail. But the fact that God is the one who keeps us secure provides believers with unshakeable confidence. It’s His power and grace that hold us, ensuring that we remain His forever.
The Assurance of Salvation
“I write these things 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
The Bible gives believers assurance of their salvation. This confidence is based on the truth of God’s Word. However, this assurance should also inspire a deeper commitment to living out one’s faith. This certainty should push them to live out their faith more.
The Impact of Sin on Believers
Though eternal security promises that sin cannot strip a believer of their salvation, it doesn’t mean sin has no consequences. Sin can damage the believer’s fellowship with God and others, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and spiritual distance.
Sin also affects a believer’s witness to the world. Unchecked sin can lead to hypocrisy and diminish the impact of a believer’s testimony. Eternal security should never be an excuse for careless living. Instead, it should motivate believers to pursue holiness, knowing that they are called to reflect Christ in their actions and attitudes.
The Importance of Repentance
While salvation is secure, repentance keeps our relationship with God healthy and vibrant. Unless we repent, we perish. This came from Luke 13:3. Repentance also fosters spiritual growth. We have to regularly examine ourselves and confess our sins for us to grow in humility and reliance on God’s grace. It’s a way of acknowledging our need for God’s ongoing work in our lives, helping us to become more Christ-like in both character and action.
Living with Eternal Security
Understanding the concepts of eternal security and sin plays a key role for believers as they walk through their faith. The lessons we learn from the Bible remind us that salvation comes as a gift based on God’s grace. Even though we might battle sin and face times of doubt, we can find comfort in knowing that God holds our eternal security in His hands.
As we accept the idea of eternal security, we should let it push us to live holy lives, keep our faith strong, and build a lively connection with our Savior. In the end, this faith journey isn’t just about feeling safe. It’s about living in a way that shows the love and kindness we have received, making an impact on God’s kingdom.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.