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Christianity for Dummies - 8 - Secure salvation

by Michael Russell
1 December 2002

Based upon a sermon series by Pastor Jim Henry, senior pastor of First Baptist Orlando, and enhanced with my personal commentary. Apologies to the book publisher for the title.

1. Introduction

Today's lesson is about the security of salvation. This is different than the normal human view, the assurance of salvation. Instead, today we look at this from God's view, the fact that when God saves a person that person is now secure. It is from this security, that believers are able to have assurance. And, with assurance, believers are empowered to act with confidence and conviction.

2. Two theories

There are two common interpretations given to eternal security -- the Armenian view and the Calvin view. The Armenian view can be summarized as, "it is possible to lose your salvation if you sin enough or blaspheme God". The Calvin view can be summarized as, "once saved, always saved".

While these views have pretty much existed for most of church history, modern scholars use the names Armenian and Calvin, based upon the early Protestant reformation scholar, to identify the views.

Most literal interpretation driven, evangelical churches accept the Calvin view of a secure salvation.

3. Importance

The view can have major impact on a believer's life. The "once saved, always saved" view can lead to these positive influences in a believer's life.

• It is the foundation for the assurance of salvation; thus giving the believer the confidence in the faith.
• It embodies forgiveness, as God repeatedly says in the Word that when He forgives our sins, he puts them as far as the east is from the west away.
• It highlights that salvation is by faith alone. It is not based upon works.
• It hightlights God's love. Why would God play games with a believer's eternal life?
• It encourages evangalism. Would you rather tell someone about a faith that is secure and everlasting, or leave them with doubts?
• It discourages legalism by focusing attention on Jesus, not on our behaviour.

4. Difficult passages

There are three verses that some use to argue against the "once saved, always saved" view. The following is a study of what the verses say.

Galatians 5:4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

The context of this passage is part of a discussion Paul is having about a group of converted Jews who were telling new Christians that they had to be circumcised in order to be real Christians. Paul often encountered these legalists who were forcing all these rules and conditions on the salvation process, thus making salvation works based. This is not the gospel message. We are not saved by works.

A paraphrase of this verse could read as follows, "Ok, if you think salvation is by following the law; then you are rejecting the true salvation of Christ, which is by grace."

Hebrews 6:4-6 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, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.

There are four common interpretations of this passage:

• It may talk about believers who are saved but then sin enough that they lose their salvation. The problems with this interpretation are: (a) it puts emphasis on works and (b) it doesn't define what that threshhold is where you have committed too many sins and thus lose your salvation.
• It may talk about those who were never saved in the first place but just thought they were. Then, when the true spiritual nature is exposed, that person could never, probably due to pride, return to a place to accept Jesus. The problem with this interpretation is that it seems very clear to be talking about truly born-again believers.
• It could be a hypothetical example to show the tradegy to a believer if it were possible to lose one's salvation. The key to this interpretation is the initial phrase, "it is impossible".
• Finally, it may be talking about the lost opportunities. When a believer disobeys Jesus and wanders off, then that believer is no longer an effective witness for Jesus. Opportunities for growth are lost. The strength to withstand the attacks from the world are lost. Also, the verse talks about how a Christian who falls away into a sinful lifestyle brings shame upon other Christians and even upon Jesus. Think about all the Christians who have embarrassed the Church and Christ because of their public sins or evil behaviour.

Most evangelical churches and those that take a literal interpretation usually accept either the 3rd or 4th interpretation. I personally believe the 4th interpretation is the correct because it makes the most sense when compared with surrounding verses.

Matthew 12:30-32 He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

This verse makes two things very clear. First, every sin can be forgiven by God. Second, rejecting the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven. The issue here is with the original salvation experience, not what happens afterwards. When saved, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, so it is not possible for a Holy Spirit filled believer to blaspheme the Spirit -- that would be like blaspheming against yourself. However, if a person never accepts the Holy Spirit, then that person remains lost.

5. Convincing truths

5.1. Adoption (becoming sons of God)

Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Part of the salvation experience is described as "becoming the sons [and daughters] of God". The Roman concept of adoption, the context in which Paul talks, is very strong. It includes:

• The transfer of all legal rights to the new father; a father that remains the person's father for the rest of their lives.
• The new father is given total power and control over the new son.
• All the rights and privaledges of the new family are enjoyed by the adopted son.
• All past debts from the old family are cancelled.

5.2. Kept

John 10:27-29 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can 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.

We are kept secure in Jesus' hands.

6. Summary

6.1. Purpose - From beginning to share in Christ's glory

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

6.2. Power - That God has to power to fulfill His purpose

Romans 4:21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

6.3. Promise - That Jesus will complete His promises

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.