DOES ETERNAL SECURITY LEAD TO SIN?

“ETERNAL SECURITY” LEAD TO SIN?\

This is our last study on CALVINISM and ARMINIANISM and the practical truths  we can learn as we investigate the Bible.  It might be surprising, but the term “Eternal Security” is a rather new one, coming out of the nineteenth century. The term isn’t bad, but it only tells one part of the story. My theology professor, Dr. J. Oliver Buswell, Jr., stated , ‘WE DON’T BELIEVE IN THE ETERNAL SECURITY OF A RELIGOUS EXPERIENCE.”

WE ARE CALLED TO PERSEVERE  IN FAITH

If we look at Scripture we read “he that overcomes shall inherit all things” (New Heaven and Earth. Revelation 21:7).  John 3:16 in the literal Greek reads “he that continues to believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  The analogy of Jesus that He is the vine and we are the branches.  If we aide or remain in Him bear fruit, but those who do not are taken and burned (John 15:5-6).  Becoming a Christian means you decide to follow Jesus!   “If any one decides to come after me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.”(Matthew 16:24).

So far both sides of historic Christianity are agreed.  We are not saved only because we in a moment of time said we believed on Christ.  We then prove that statement by following Him.

THE  DIFFERENCE IS THAT THE CALVINIST SIDE STATES THE TRUE BELIEVER WILL NOT TOTALLY AND PERMENENTLY FALL AWAY FROM CHRIST

Jesus said that all who were given to Him will come to Him, and one who “comes to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37).  Jesus again promised to those who come to Him, “I give to them eternal life, and they shall NEVER PERISH, and neither shall anyone snatch them out of my  hand.”  (John 10:28).  Paul writes  He that began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” ( Philippians 1:6)

Remaining saved is God’s sovereign promise and grace is evident by our continuance  in  believing and following Him.  We call this  the PRESERVAITION AND PERSEVERANCE OF THE BELIEVER.

I like what their Faith and Message (Confession of Faith of the southern Baptists) renders about the security and perseverance of the believer.  “All true believers endure to the end---(they) may fall into sin through neglect or temptation---yet, they shall be kept by the power of God through faith---“

Here’s the deal!  You have more assurance you are saved when you’re walking with the Lord and you can see Him working in you (II Peter 1:10).  However, as one Anglican minister said long ago.  If you see little fruit of the Spirit in your life, and its winter time in your soul, don’t look to the evidences.   Look to the cross and Jesus’ blood as the basis of your certainty and the source of strengthening you for victory! 

 O.k. Let’s get up and keep going, following Jesus! Regardless of what position you take, WE KNOW HE IS WITH US EVERY STEP OF THE WAY AND WE LOOK TO HIM TO KEEP US!