The Believer’s Eternal Security
Did you miss our recent class on eternal security? Or maybe you’ve heard the term but still struggle with that nagging feeling: “Am I really saved? Can I lose my salvation?” You’ve come to the right place.
Eternal Security
Eternal security simply means that once you’ve trusted in Jesus Christ for eternal life, you are saved forever. It’s a done deal. No take-backs. No forfeiture clause.
A lack of assurance can rob you of your joy and create distance in your relationship with God.
Despite those who prefer we remain fearfully unsure, God wants you to feel secure in His love in Christ.
1 John 5:11 … God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
So, how do we get that rock-solid assurance? It’s as simple as believing God’s promise above.
But it definitely starts with a clear understanding of the Gospel and a firm belief in Jesus’ finished work.
Sorting Out the Confusion: Perseverance, Preservation, and Whose Job Is It Anyway?
This is where things can get tangled, so let’s untangle them:
- Perseverance of the Saints (Reformed View): This view basically says that if you’re truly saved, you will persevere in faith and obedience. If you fall away, well, you were never saved to begin with. The problem? It turns assurance into a constant performance review. Are you “doing” enough to prove you’re worthy? It puts the spotlight on your efforts rather than on Jesus’ sacrifice.
- Arminian View: This says a believer can lose their salvation through serious sin or persistent unbelief. This is not good news either. This also leads to an uncertain destiny and shifts the focus from Jesus’ sacrifice to your efforts.
In each of these views, the believer who seeks assurance of their salvation must give evidence of it through perseverance, good works, and life transformation.
- Preservation of the Saints (Grace View): This view emphasizes that God keeps those who belong to Him. Your eternal security is in God’s unwavering promise, Jesus’ completed work on the cross, and the Holy Spirit’s seal of ownership. Even when we stumble (and let’s face it, we all do!), God preserves us. This view truly presents the good news of eternal life to all who believe.
Why Eternal Security Is a Game-Changer
Imagine someone giving you an incredible gift, but then telling you that you have to prove your worth or re-earn it every day. That’s not a gift; that’s a stressful job! Eternal life is a pure gift. It allows us to rest in God’s grace and love, knowing that our salvation is firmly in His hands, not teetering on our own efforts.
Jesus on Eternal Security
What did Jesus have to say about this? Plenty.
John 6:39 “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will 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 the Father’s hand.
The apostle Paul said, “Even if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”
When you believe in Jesus, you receive new, eternal life. You’re born again into God’s family. Once you’re a child, you’re always a child, right? Plus, the Holy Spirit seals us for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).
Why Some Believers (wrongly) Lack Assurance?
Here are a few common reasons:
- Doubting the Reality of Their “Commitment”: If we’re told to pray some “sinner’s prayer,” we may wonder if we really meant it? If we’re to repent, did we repent the “right” way? If we were told to “make Jesus Lord,” but then we sin, did we really make Him Lord?! But salvation comes through believing in Jesus Christ and His finished work. It’s not about perfect commitment, the right prayer, or a certain feeling; it’s about receiving God’s gift through faith in Jesus.
- Ongoing Sin: Let’s be honest: we all mess up. Sometimes, that sin can make us question our salvation. But if we think our sin unravels God’s grace, Jesus’ work, and His promises, then we’re not trusting Jesus, His finished work, or God’s grace; we still trust ourselves. Remember too, scripture recognizes the reality of sin in believers. Almost every New Testament epistle is a correction for some kind of wrong belief or sinful behavior. See James 3:2.
- Misunderstanding the Gospel: The Gospel is simply believing in Jesus for eternal life. The Gospel is not making Him lord, saying a prayer and really meaning it, inviting Jesus into your heart, confessing every sin, or committing your life to Him. Simply believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved.
It Makes A Difference
So, what does all of this mean for your everyday life?
It means you can live with joy, freedom, and confidence in Christ, knowing that your salvation is secure. This is the basis for freedom, love, and obedience.
The assurance of God’s acceptance does not encourage the believer to sin, but to love and live in the freedom of God’s grace. Love obeys. Love worships. Grace empowers us to live out our joy in Christ. It frees you from the exhausting burden of constantly trying to earn God’s love.
A Word of Caution (and Encouragement): The Bible contains warnings for believers to persevere, avoid hardening their hearts, encourage one another, and repent of sin. These warnings aren’t about losing your salvation, but about protecting your fellowship with God, nurturing your spiritual health, maximizing your eternal reward, and experiencing the abundant life He offers.
Think about the “Judgment Seat of Christ,” where believers will be evaluated for their faithfulness and good works, not for their sins (1 Corinthians 3:15). Good works lead to greater responsibility and intimacy with Christ. Lack of good works may result in a loss of reward, but the believer’s salvation remains reserved for us and protected by God (1 Peter 1:3-5).