Eternal Security


Gary P. Adkins


There is a religious concept called the “Eternal Security of the Believer.”  This is similar in some ways to the beliefs of “Once Saved, Always Saved,” and “Once in Grace, Always in Grace.”


This doctrine is contrary to various New Testament scriptures.  Such examples are found in Hebrews 3:12, 6:4-8, 12:15; Jude19-24.  The Apostle Paul stated in Galatians 5:4, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace.”  Some of the Galatians had to be in grace in order to fall from grace.


Eternal security is a promise to faithful Christians.  “... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”  Revelation 2:10.  Also, in Revelation 14:12-13: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus ... Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.”


1 John 1:1-7 is a conditional promise of eternal security to living Christians.  “… 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 …If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 2:3, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”


Eternal security, according to the scriptures, is based primarily upon two main precepts: belief and obedience to the word of God.  The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study (all scripture) to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  In Romans 8:1-2, Paul wrote “There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”


When the Judgment Day comes, it will be determined by Jesus Christ.  He will declare, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.”  As stated in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”  -PO Box 841, Culloden, WV 25510.  (304) 743-4074.  


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