SALVATION
CAN YOU HAVE IT AND THEN LOSE IT?
CAN YOU HAVE ASSURANCE OF SLAVATION?
Wayne Roberson
Whether we deserve it or not, us Baptist are known for our belief in the Eternal Work of God through the power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of the accomplished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. We are quoted and misrepresented in as saying “Once Saved, Always Saved”. Misunderstood, we are accused of allowing grace to be a license to sin. I wish we were known for saying “Once Born Again, Always Born Again.”
The purpose of this discussion is to ultimately address Hebrews 6:4-6 .
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, [5] and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, [6] if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
The passages that are not in bold have been used to deny Eternal Security. A rebuttal or discussion is in bold after each.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. [2] Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. [3] And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. [4] You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. [5] For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Simply put, to fall from grace is to begin the Christian Walk by faith and then revert to dependence on an act or abstinence from any activity to “improve” or affect our standing with God.
do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. [19] You will say then, "Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in." [20] Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. [21] For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. [22] Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
Paul addresses the relationship between the unbelieving Jews and emphasizes the Gentile grafting in. There is nothing here to address one coming to faith in Christ and then denying that faith. However, in verse 20 we see that Paul understood that a true believer stands “by faith”.
and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Here I am reminded of a quote. I believe it was Hugh Pyle that said. “Everywhere a Campbellite sees water, he sees baptism. If baptism is essential to salvation then it was Pharaoh's army that was saved and not the children of Israel.” Likewise, not every falling away or taking away refers to one who has once believed and then renounced his faith.
Ephes. 5:3-5
But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; [4] neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. [5] For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.
God knows His children and His children know Him. The child of God lives in one of two states, obedient and faithful or under the conviction of the Holy Spirit of God that indwells him. The kingdom of God is not limited to the afterlife but encompasses all of eternity including the abundant life here and now.
Jesus said:John 10:10
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,
I would like to emphasize the use of the word inherit. Typically, the inheritance is given to a child. The unrighteous in this case must have never been children.
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, [21] envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Such list as this are frequently extracted from the scripture to innumerate the acts that can cause one to lose his salvation. The context of this scripture is to contrast the flesh and the spirit. If we have put our faith in the accomplished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary, the Holy Spirit within us will not allow us to rest or experience the Abundant Life while living in unrighteousness.
And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. [7] He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. [8] But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
Children of God are over comers. Those who's god is the pleasures of the flesh worship and serve the god of this world and will “have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Paul is speaking of his witness and not his salvation.
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Salvation is not a joint venture. Christ said on the cross, “It is finished”. In the words of my pastor, Charles Roberts. “He did not say, I have done my part, now you do yours.” This passage in Matthew addresses the subject of fellowship (intimacy) with God and not relationship (salvation).
Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." [22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
[23] Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. [24] And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God Israel
A word of caution is given here that any of us (richness is relative) can give too much value to material things. We can be so comfortable in our situation that we forget we need God. The true believer will follow Him. It is his nature, his passion, his calling.
And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. [23] When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel
[27] "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. [28] And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. [30] But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
[32] "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.
The phrase “But he who endures to the end will be saved.” is an opportunity for some to focus on “endurance”. Personally, I believe this implies God is saying, “Ok, this is a test, I have already paid the price on the cross of Calvary . It is finished, Satan is defeated but, if you do not perform a certain way all of that will not be enough for you to live in heaven. I died for you but that was not enough.” However, if we see that He was preparing His children for persecution we realize salvation is not at stake here. So then, what are we saved from? Certainly, eternal damnation is what we are saved from. Here we have yet another sign of who will endure. The redeemed, born again, regenerated, blood washed child of God, bought with a price on the cross of Calvary .
Luke 12:41-46
Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?" [42] And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? [43] Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. [44] Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. [45] But if that servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, [46] the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
The servants behavior does not change the fact he is a servant. His behavior drastically affects his life. He will suffer the consequences of his behavior.
1 Cor. 15:1-2
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, [2] by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain.
The born again child of God will hold fast.
Col. 1:22-23
in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight-- [23] if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
If endurance and steadfastness was within man's own power would he have not saved himself by keeping the law? Whatever ability man appears to have, even faith itself, is a gift from God.
Hebrews 3:6
but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.
Our steadfastness is a sign of whose we are.
Hebrews 3:14
For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,
Yet, another sign of His power living in us through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Rev. 2:10
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Bible Knowledge Commentary
This “crown” consists of life, that is, the crown is life (cf. Rev. 2:10). “The life which is promised is probably life here and now, life in its fullness, life in its completeness” (cf. James 1:4) (Curtis Vaughan, James: Bible Study Commentary, p. 28). (Other crowns are referred to in 1 Thes. 2:19; 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4.) God promises such life to those who love Him. Love for God enables believers who undergo trials to rest confidently in Him. Their steadfastness reveals their love. (Some, however, say the crown refers not to full life now but to eternal life, for all true believers do in fact love God; 1 John 4:8.) Asking for wisdom with faith (James 1:6-8), hope (vv. 9-11), and love (v. 12) brings not only the blessing of wisdom but also the blessing of winning.
To have the right attitude in trials, one must see the advantage of trials, but if it is difficult to see the advantages, one can ask for aid and, if one asks correctly, God will give him the right attitude in trials. He can rejoice in trials (v. 2) and be blessed (v. 12) by enduring them.
Rev. 2:25-29
But hold fast what you have till I come. [26] And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations--
[27] 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron;
They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'--
as I also have received from My Father; [28] and I will give him the morning star. [29] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '
Bible Knowledge Commentary
4. Exhortation (2:24-25)
2:24-25. After His condemnation, Christ extended a word of exhortation to the godly remnant who existed in the church in Thyatira, implying that the rest of the church was apostate. The remnant He called the rest of you in Thyatira… you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets. On this godly remnant He imposed one simple instruction: only hold on to what you have until I come. Perhaps because the church was small, Christ did not command them to leave it but to remain as a godly testimony. Judgment on Jezebel and her followers would come soon and would purge the church. In modern times Christians who find themselves in apostate local churches can usually leave and join another fellowship, but this was impractical under the circumstances in Thyatira.
The parallels between Thyatira and other apostate churches throughout church history are clear. Some compare Thyatira to believers in the Middle Ages when Protestantism separated from Roman Catholicism and attempted a return to purity in doctrine and life. The prominence of Jezebel as a woman prophetess is sometimes compared to the unscriptural exaltation of Mary. The participation in idolatrous feasts can illustrate the false teaching that the Lord’s Supper is another sacrifice of Christ. In spite of the apostasy of churches in the Middle Ages, there were churches then which, like the church of Thyatira, had some believers who were bright lights of faithfulness in doctrine and life.
5. PROMISE (2:26-29)
2:26-27. Christ promises believers who are faithful that they will join Him in His
millennial rule (Ps. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:4-6). The word in verse 27 translated
“rule” (poimanei) means “to shepherd,” indicating that they will not simply be
administering justice but will also, like a shepherd using his rod, be dealing with his
sheep and protecting them as well. Though Psalm 2:9 refers to Christ’s rule, John’s
quotation of it here relates the ruling (shepherding) to the believer who overcomes.
Believers will have authority just as Christ does (1 Cor. 6:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 3:21;
20:4, 6). Christ received this authority from His Father (cf. John 5:22).
millennial rule (Ps. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:4-6). The word in verse 27 translated
“rule” (poimanei) means “to shepherd,” indicating that they will not simply be
administering justice but will also, like a shepherd using his rod, be dealing with his
sheep and protecting them as well. Though Psalm 2:9 refers to Christ’s rule, John’s
quotation of it here relates the ruling (shepherding) to the believer who overcomes.
Believers will have authority just as Christ does (1 Cor. 6:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 3:21;
20:4, 6). Christ received this authority from His Father (cf. John 5:22).
2:28. In addition, the faithful will receive the morning star, which appears just
before the dawn. The Scriptures do not explain this expression, but it may refer to
participation in the Rapture of the church before the dark hours preceding the dawn of
the millennial kingdom.
before the dawn. The Scriptures do not explain this expression, but it may refer to
participation in the Rapture of the church before the dark hours preceding the dawn of
the millennial kingdom.
2:29. The letter to Thyatira closes with the familiar exhortation to hear what the
Spirit says to the churches. Unlike the earlier letters, this exhortation follows rather
than precedes the promise to overcomers, and this order is followed in the letters to the
last three churches.
Spirit says to the churches. Unlike the earlier letters, this exhortation follows rather
than precedes the promise to overcomers, and this order is followed in the letters to the
last three churches.
Rev. 3:1-5
"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,
'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. [2] Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. [3] Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. [4] You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. [5] He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Bible Knowledge Commentary
4. Exhortation (3:2a, 3)
3:2a, 3. They were exhorted to wake up from their spiritual slumber and to strengthen the few evidences of life they still had. He exhorted them to remember… obey… and repent. He warned them that if they did not heed this exhortation, He would come on them like a thief, that is, suddenly and unexpectedly.
5. Promise (3:4-6)
3:4-6. While this church as a whole was dead or dying, Christ recognized a godly remnant in the Sardis church who had not soiled their clothes with sin. He promised that true believers will be dressed in white (cf. v. 18), symbolic of the righteousness of God, that their names will remain in the book of life, and that He will acknowledge them as His own before His Father and His angels.
The statement that their names will not be erased from the book of life presents a problem to some. But a person who is truly born again remains regenerate, as John said elsewhere (John 5:24; 6:35-37, 39; 10:28-29). While this passage may imply that a name could be erased from the book of life, actually it only gives a positive affirmation that their names will not be erased (cf. Walvoord, Revelation. pp. 82, 338). Six times John referred to the book of life (Rev. 3:5; 13:8 [cf. comments there]; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27).
The letter also concludes with the exhortation to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The letter to Sardis is a searching message to churches today that are full of activity and housed in beautiful buildings but are so often lacking in evidences of eternal life. Christ’s word today is to “remember,” “repent,” and “obey,” just as it was to the church in Sardis.
John 5:24
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
John 6:35-37
And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. [36] But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. [37] All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
John 6:39
This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.
John 10:28-29
And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
2 Peter 2:20-22
For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. [21] For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. [22] But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."
I am reminded of Luke 11:26
Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first."
Here I see someone who has begun the walk of faith with Christ but is drawn away by the lust of the flesh and become involved (entangled) in the things of the world fornication, adultery, materialism etc.. This person will repent or live in miserable conviction. The latter is worse than the first because of the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Summary/My Opinion
To believe salvation can be obtained and lost and re obtained is to imply that Christ's sacrifice on the cross was insufficient and that He was not correct when He said “It is finished”.
Secondly, this person denies the rebirth spoken of in scripture.
John 3:7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'
Can a person be unborn?
It is most consistent to realize that those who appear to have lost their salvation either #1, never had it or #2 are rebelling against the Holy Spirit.
Note: Cecil Hook, a Church of Christ preacher who has since gone on to be with the Lord, once admitted to me that Salvation was a quest. I assume this meant that one could not KNOW he was saved until he stands before God in judgment. I once asked a friend of mine, who attends the Church of Christ, “What if when you stand before God your works have not been enough?” He said, “That is where grace comes in.” I said, “So, grace is your “hold card” in your back pocket.” He acknowledged that it is. I replied, “Isn't that a miserable condition? You can never have assurance of salvation?” No reply was given.
Beloved, assurance of salvation as a result of eternal security is a precious doctrine I gladly embrace and propagate. How else can we know the “rest” given to us by our heavenly Father?
Hebrews 4:3
For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:
"So I swore in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest,' "
although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
In the stillness of the night when you are all alone with God. Only when you realize you were hopeless and undone when God made provision for your salvation can you experience the peace and joy Christ came to bring in His fulfillment of the law.
God's grace is as it has been before the foundation of the world. It is the same after the cross as it was before the cross of Calvary.
Romans 4:3
For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
Galatians 3:6
just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
James 2:23
And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.
Conclusion
Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:8
But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach):
Romans 10:9
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
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