Eternal Security Of The Believer

I have entitled this study "The Eternal Security of the Believer", because that's what I found the Bible to teach. The Bible does not teach "once saved, always saved", which is a different matter.

One method of study that I employ, is to go through the Bible, or maybe just the New Testament, and copy out any and all scriptures I find which pertain to the issue. After I've cut this list up into each individual passage, I read each one and put it in a pile that develops a certain aspect of the issue.

I've included a few scriptures from the Old Testament because of their strong and clarifying statements, but by and large I list New Testament scripture because of the often used phrase, "That's from the Old Testament, it changed under the New Testament". The New Testament is sufficient to completely scrutinize this doctrine.

The arrangement of the verses in different groupings is according to the natural arrangement of the scriptures. I have quoted many of the passages because few would take the effort to look them up.

Coming from a Baptist background, I'm aware of the challenges that arise in the well-established Baptist mind over this issue. My objective is to list the development of the study as the scripture does. In this way, the proper ground is laid, and the challenges answered.

The scriptures that follow show how we're secure in Christ and eternal life. The study of these scriptures show:

1) Eternal life is in Christ, never in us alone. As we're in Christ through faith, we are in eternal life. If one loses eternal life, it doesn't mean the life wasn't eternal, it still is, but it's not in us, it's in Him.

2) We are in Him and kept in Him by grace through faith. The way one leaves Christ is by putting off the faith.

3) We're saved in part, but not yet in whole. We're children of God in part, but not yet completely. If we remain in the faith, at the redemption, we will have our adoption completed and finalized. We stand in the deliverance of the Gospel as long as we remember that Gospel of death to self and life in Him.

4) Warnings are given to guard against falling. Warning are not given in vain, they're to those who will heed.

5) There are those who will remain in Christ, and those who will not. (Actual examples and names of those who left Christ are listed.)

6) Those who abide in Christ are kept secure in Him, no one can take you away from Him.

7) There is a type of sin which is unto death with no hope of return to God and a type which is not unto death.

The sections are itemized as listed above; however, there are some pas- sages that briefly cover the entire discussion in a clear manner. These are listed first:

Outline of the process of salvation.

1 Peter 1:5,9 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
2 Timothy 3:15

Victory comes from abiding in Christ. It is as we abide in Christ, that we have our invincibility and confidence, knowing nothing can overcome and destroy our souls. Apart from Him, we sin and can be destroyed.

John 15:1-8 1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Walk in grace, and works will follow as an outflow of the life in Christ. If there are no works, we can declare - No Life.

Romans 4:1-5; Romans 3:20; James 2:21; James 2:22,24,26 also. Quoted under section 3-C.

Stand by faith, but the fear of God includes realization we're not indispensable. The Lord does reject some He chose.

Romans 11:17-23 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith, Be not highminded, but fear; 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

Jeremiah 6:30 30 Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.

Warning to remember we stand by faith and labor to stay in faith and not put it off.

Hebrews 3:5-19 5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Hebrews 4:1,2,6,11 1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

1) Eternal Life Is In Christ Through Faith

A. ETERNAL LIFE IS IN CHRIST

1 John 5:20

Colossians 3:4 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

John 5:24-26 26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

1 John 3:15 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

John 6:54,56,57,58; Romans 5:8,9; Colossians 1:28; John 6:47; John 3:36; John 3:15,16

1 John 5:11,12 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

1 Timothy 6:19; Romans 6:22,23

B. ETERNAL LIFE YET TO COME TO BELIEVERS

Galatians 6:7-9 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. John 12:25

C. SALVATION YET TO COME FOR BELIEVERS

Romans 13:11 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

1 Thessalonians 5:8,9

Hebrews 9:28 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

2) Believers Kept In Christ In Grace Through Faith

A. BELIEVERS IN GRACE THROUGH FAITH

Romans 4:16 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Romans 5:1,2 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Ephesians 2:5,7,8 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

One of the challenges denying the ability to lose salvation is that God is invincible. "If you say you can lose your salvation then you're saying God isn't strong enough to keep you," the challenger says. The key lies not in God's strength, but in our faith. His grace is sure and strong, but the scripture shows we can put off the faith by which we stand in grace. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

B. BELIEVERS SHOULD CONTINUE IN GRACE

I Peter 1:13

Acts 13:43 43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

Galatians 5:4 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

The term "lose your salvation" should be replaced with "fall from grace". This would be the biblical term that ties in the point of human weakness, the faith by which we stand in grace.

C. BELIEVERS ARE THOSE WHO ARE IN THE FAITH

1 John 5:4

2 Corinthians 1:24 24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

2 Corinthians 13:5; Hebrews 10:38,39

2 Thessalonians 2:13 13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

Here we see belief used as a synonym for faith.

Hebrews 6:11,12 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Ephesians 3:17; Ephesians 3:11,12; Philippians 3:9

Galatians 3:14 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles, through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:11

Romans 3:30 30 Seeing it is one God which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Romans 3:22-26 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Propitiate: Appease, satisfy God.

Acts 14:22 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

1 Peter 2:6

John 3:18 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Luke 22:31-34 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

At this point, review the first scripture quoted from I Peter 1:5,9.

3) Adopted Believers Who Endure Will Have Works Follow

A. THE ADOPTION OF THE BELIEVER

Ephesians 1:13,14 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

THE PRINCIPAL OF ADOPTION:

We are sealed with the "earnest of our inheritance". We become children of God, and I've heard some say, "once a son, always a son, even if you're wicked". Our becoming a child of God isn't compared to becoming a child in the natural method of human sonship. The comparison is adoption. With human adoption, the method goes with a trial period. If at the end of that period, either child or parent is dissatisfied, the adoption is not completed or is called off. The completion of our adoption, as shown below in Romans 8:23 for example, will be in the day of the redeeming of our body.

The reference to "earnest" can be seen in buying a house. We're not only adopted, but also purchased. When you see a house and make an offer on it, you give the real estate agent a check to prove your seriousness in working a deal. If you don't follow through with the deal, the "earnest money", as it's called, is lost. If you were to move into the house and not make another payment, saying, "Hey, I paid the earnest, he can't take it from us!" You'll find yourself sadly mistaken.

Ephesians 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22

Romans 8:15 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Ephesians 1:4,5 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Galatians 4:5

Romans 8:23 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

1 John 3:2

Galatians 3:26 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 32:19; Jeremiah 3:10,13; John 8:37-41; Matthew 13:18-22; Mark 4:14-20

Luke 8:11-15 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

The parable of the sower ties into the adoption, because it illustrates the different types of adopted children and how they respond.

B. HE THAT ENDURES UNTO THE END SHALL BE SAVED

1 John 5:4

Matthew 10:22 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:12,13; Mark 13:13; Luke 21:34-36; John 8:30,31; Philippians 1:9,10; Revelation 2:10,11

Revelation 3:3-6 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3:8,11,12

Revelation 21:7,8 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Luke 13:23,24

C. BELIEVERS WILL HAVE WORKS AND OBEDIENCE FOLLOW

1 Corinthians 15:1,2 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

If one could never lose their salvation, believing could never be in vain. Even the lowest in Heaven would be better than anything in Hell.

Matthew 7:13-24; John 8:51; John 14:21-23; Acts 10:35; Romans 6:3-5; Romans 6:16-18; Galatians 5:24,25; Titus 2:11,12

Titus 3:7,8 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Hebrews 5:9 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

James 2:22,24,26 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

1 John 1:7,9 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Revelation 2:23,26

4) Take Care To Continue In The Faith

A. CONTINUING VERSUS NOT CONTINUING IN THE FAITH

Ezekiel 3:20,21 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 21 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

Ezekiel 18:24,26-28; 1 Thessalonians 2:1

1 Thessalonians 3:5 5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Romans 2:7-11; 1 Timothy 6:12; Romans 6:6-12

We freely have victory over sin in Christ, but unless we decide to receive it, the sin will reign over us.

B. BELIEVERS WHO CONTINUE WILL REMAIN HOLY AND UNREPROVABLE

Colossians 1:20-23 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

C. WARNING TO BELIEVERS OF ABILITY TO LOSE SALVATION

Romans 8:17

1 Corinthians 9:27 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it unto subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Galatians 4:11

Matthew 10:32,33 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Titus 1:16 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

2 Timothy 2:11,12 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

1 Corinthians 3:17 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Some Christians defile their own bodies, and this verse says God will destroy them.

1 Corinthians 5:9-11,13; 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Galatians 5:19-21; Matthew 25:1-13

Matthew 24:45-51 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:29,30 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The expression "weeping and gnashing of teeth" directly related the fact as referring to the judgement of Hell, not just part of a parable's garnishing.

Luke 12:41-48 41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

The above illustration in Luke clearly shows the lesson isn't only parabolic artistry. The wicked servant is to be placed with the "unbelievers". A tale of kings and servants in this world wouldn't attach the evil servant to the grouping of "unbelievers". The detailed description in this passage shows that God's servants may do evil, and depending on their ignorance, willful or otherwise, will be punished. There's a point of doing evil that crosses over. That servant is appointed his portion with the unbelievers. Where one crosses over the line isn't clearly shown, but shouldn't we seek to obey and please God in all things? Pursue God, and there's no need for fear of crossing the line.

1 Thessalonians 3:7,8

D. ABILITY TO TURN FROM RIGHTEOUSNESS

Matthew 18:8,9

Mark 9:43-48 43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Matthew 18:23-35 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on they fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Mark 11:25,26 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Romans 8:12,13

1 Corinthians 8:11 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

Galatians 5:1,3; Titus 3:10,11

James 5:9 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

James 5:19,20 19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 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.

The verse above states that one who's called a brother, who goes into sin, is then called a sinner, not a worldly Christian. He needs to be reconverted to save his soul from death. Not just his body but his soul.

2 Peter 1:9,10 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

2 Peter 3:17 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

1 John 2:1,2; Revelation 22:19

5) References To Denying Christ

A. EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO HAVE TURNED FROM THE RIGHT WAY

1 Corinthians 10:1-12; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 5:1,5; 2 Corinthians 12:21

Galatians 1:6 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Galatians 3:1,3; Galatians 4:9

Galatians 4:19,20 19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, 20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

This verse addresses the challenge that, if you lost your salvation, you would have to be born-again again to be saved. Paul said he "travailed in birth - again" showing a person can be born-again more than once. If not, he wouldn't have made the reference to that figurative expression. The previous three verses refered to (before this in Galatians) show they'd been born-again believers.

Galatians 5:7

1 Timothy 1:19,20 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 4:1,2 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

1 Timothy 5:11-15 11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.

1 Timothy 6:10 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:21 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

2 Timothy 2:17,18 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

2 Timothy 4:10

Hebrews 12:15-17 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

2 Peter 2:1-4,12-22 1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 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 therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

In verse 1 of this passage, you see the ones who brought in damnable heresies, spoke evil of the way of truth, were false prophets, false teachers and will utterly perish (v. 12), were redeemed servants of God. It says, "even denying the Lord that bought them". They were blood bought possessions of the Lord. Down further in verse 15 we see "forsaken" which also tells us they once followed. You can't forsake what you never had. Verses 20-22 make it absolutely clear that they had been redeemed, but now are not.

Jude 5-7

Revelation 2:4,5,7 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:13,15,16

Revelation 3:15,16,19,21 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

B. ANTICHRISTS WILL NEVER CONTINUE WITH BELIEVERS, BUT BELIEVERS SOMETIMES GO WITH ANTICHRISTS

1 John 2:17-19; 1 John 2:24

Hebrews 6:4-8 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

6) The Safety Of Those Who Continue As Believers

A. THE BELIEVER'S SECURITY

Romans 5:20,21

John 10:26-29 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

This verse shows our safety. As we abide in Christ, we have protection and fellowship with God. No man can overcome us. Jesus overcame and in Him we overcome all things: sin, temptation, persecution. This verse does not discuss the aspect of our turning from Him. It only discusses His victorious stance that we find in Him.

An example on the principals of interpretation: The Ten Commandments say "thou shalt not kill". We can take this and say we can't eat meat, for you would have to kill. We can't execute a murderer, for that would be killing. We know this is taking the verse out of context of the rest of the law. The verse, as it stands in the passage it's found, could be used to the extreme. This same principal goes with the security of the believer. Some passages show protection in God, and that's so, but to take those and say one can never leave God, is like saying it's wrong to execute the murderer.

Romans 8:34-39 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Does this also mean we lose free choice to turn from Him, if we choose? There are those who say it does, but I've included a verse from Jude, following, that shines a spotlight on the fact that it's up to us to keep ourselves in this invincible love of God. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, but Jude shows us we can choose not to be in Christ's love.

Jude 21 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

1 Corinthians 15:56,57

Ephesians 1:19 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

To those who keep the faith, His power is exceeding great.

2 Timothy 1:12; 1 Corinthians 1:8,9; Romans 14:4; Jude 24

The above verses from I Corinthians 15:56,57 down to here, all deal with the aspect of the faithfulness of God. Those who are, and continue as believers will be nurtured and strengthened to see victory in Christ, until we come before Him face to face.

Philippians 1:5-7 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Philippians 2:12-16 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

The above two passages go together. The one follows shortly after the other. The first, like the previous verses, shows God's faithfulness to the believers and His ability to preserve us. The second ends on the note of Paul's ministering the Gospel to them, with the positive reflection of his confidence he didn't waste his time. He knew they were believers once and was confident in the quality of these brethren to continue to pursue God.

Verse 2:13 is a beauty. After he talks about working out your salvation in verse 12, he shows he doesn't refer to victorious Christian living as a work of the flesh. As we desire God, He will give us His desire and His ability to do right.

John 6:39,40; John 17:2,3,12; Romans 7:22; Romans 8:1-4

2 Thessalonians 3:3,6 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

Verse 3 is used to say no Christian will turn away, but if read in context, looking down the passage three more verses, we see that some brothers in Christ do go after evil. Verse 6 really shows how verses such as 3 are to be seen in context of the whole issue of Christian security. The following two verses again show this same pattern.

1 John 3:6,9; 1 John 5:16-18

7) The Sin To Death

A. BLASPHEME OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Matthew 12:31,32; Mark 3:28-30; Luke 12:8-10