Sermon Audio Archive

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

FROM: 6/23/02 Radio Program

Question:

Just about all churches except Baptist say they do not believe in eternal security. Yet, people sin every day, and churches (including the church of Christ) say they are still saved. Is this not eternal security? Does not the Bible say that the one who overcomes and endures to the end shall be saved?

Answer:

First, let it be understood that more groups than just Baptist people teach eternal security. This is one of the tenets of Calvinism. So, many people today teach that once one is saved, he/she can never be lost. But, to start with the last thing mentioned by the caller, it is a fact that Jesus said, "he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13). In the Revelation letter, Christ told the church at Smyrna, "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).

But, just because one sins and then repents and is forgiven does not mean that somehow this person is following the false doctrine of "eternal security." The Bible never teaches the doctrine which says, "Once one is saved, he can never be lost." I remember that Peter told Simon (a Christian who had sinned) to "repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee" (Acts 8:22). John said, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). Don't forget that in this chapter, John is including himself (Note the pronouns: "we," "us," etc.)! He is not talking to those who are not Christians, but talking to those who are! He would go on to say in chapter 2: "My little children, these things write I unto you that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous" (2:1).

After one has heard God's word, believed on Christ as God's Son, repented of his/her sin, confessed his/her faith in Christ, and been baptized for the remission of sins, this one is saved and is rightly called a Christian (Acts 2:22, 36-38; John 8:24; Mark 16:16; Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30; Matt. 10:32-33; Romans 10:10; Acts 22:16; I Peter 3:21; Acts 11:26). Yet, this does not mean that one is somehow immune to temptation or sin. James, when he wrote to the Christians scattered in various places told them, "Do not err, my beloved brethren" (James 1:16). He then said a similar thing at the end of the book, emphasizing the danger of erring from the truth. "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20). What sense does it make for James to warn people about something, if as the Calvinists say, it is beyond the possibility of happening?

In our study of the Bible, we find that no such doctrine as the impossibility of apostasy is ever taught. There are numerous warnings found in the Bible, and in fact, 21 New Testament books were written for the purpose of showing men how to STAY SAVED! Yes, the Bible promises that nothing shall separate man from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39), but I can separate myself! Our Lord, when He taught the parable of the Sower, mentioned some who would believe the word, "and in time of temptation fall away" (Luke 8:11-13). Further, we can appreciate and be thankful for Christ's promise that no man will pluck one from His hand (John 10:27-29). This is true. However, can I leave the Lord's hand? Yes, I can! If not, then why the warning in Hebrews 3:12-13 about the dangers of "departing from the living God"?

Let us handle God's word accurately. No, the Bible does not teach "eternal security." At the same time, when a Christian sins, he/she has "an advocate with the Father" in Jesus Christ (I John 2:1). Therefore, when a Christian sins, he/she can repent of it, confess it, and pray for God's forgiveness, and know that he/she will be forgiven. What a wonderful Savior! What a merciful God! What joy it is to belong to the Lord, having the hope of Heaven in eternity!

* Related Articles *

Answering A Question On Apostasy

Can You Lose Touch With God And Still Go To Heaven?

What To Call Sin?

Do My Sins Affect My Soul?

What About Once In Grace, Always In Grace? Are There Scriptures That Support This Doctrine?

When You "Fall Away," Do You Have To Be Baptized Again?

Back to Radio Program Questions - Answers