JUST A FEW QUESTIONS
Soteriology is the Doctrine of Salvation, or, How we Obtain our Eternal Salvation. Sanctification is the means by which we are Made Spiritually Clean.
What follows is the teaching of one person. We have chosen to call him "P. Prelate". Our Rebuttal follows. Our comments are mainly doctrinal in nature, not personal, but in the spirit of good will and open-mindedness as we seek no offense. Since the author below has gone on record with this teaching, let us take a closer look at it to clear up several major misconceptions and hopefully bring persons around to a correct understanding of Eternal Security.
The authors' original message, which he presented under the heading, "Sermons&Teaching" is found below word-for-word with no omissions or alterations and is in "quotes". The page has since been deleted but we have retained it in its original. The reader will find that what follows really are his core beliefs and exactly what he teaches others and so therefore what his supporters fully endorse and are told is truth.
Our Rebuttal is in Orange.
the author says
"Eternal security: the belief that once a person accepts Jesus Christ as his Savior he can never be lost. Eternal security sounds great until you realize this doctrine allows people to commit every sin under the sun, without suffering any consequences for their complete lack of holy living."
Our Answer
The "definition" above, sadly, is filled with misunderstanding and misconceptions from the start. If such things were true, then the conclusions reached by our author might seem "logically" valid; but they are not true and here is why. Here is the first sentence, and then we will examine several sentences closer.
author began by trying to define Eternal Security:
author said
1. "Eternal security: the belief that once a person accepts Jesus Christ as his Savior he can never be lost."
Our Answer
Let us look at the authors' definition of Eternal Security. "Eternal Security", rightly understood, does not apply to every "person" as if anyone who claimed they were Saved or was convinced or imagined they were Saved, were Saved (Matthew 7:22); as if by using their own human faith, "faith plus works" and "works-righteousness" they could be Saved at all.[1]
Eternal Security applies only to the Elect who were Chosen from before the Foundation of the world (Ephesians 1), even "before they were born" (Romans 11). It applies to none others. The Elect alone are Drawn by the Father (John 6:44) Given the Gift of Divine Faith with which to Believe, and they do Believe in Jesus Christ by means of His Grace through Faith Alone and are Truly Saved. Not of their own works (human faith, or work) but by Divine Faith (His Gift) Alone in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8,9.
2. The phrase "accepts Jesus" is also misleading. It is taken by some to imply an "action" or "human work" on the part of unregenerate man, either on his own, or using any unregenerate ability on his part can attain unto Eternal Life.
Let us say this, not that our author does, but many do. These several who misinterpret Scripture, having little or no knowledge of the Original Koine Greek language structure, take such "receiving" or "accepting" or "getting" Jesus as man being the "subject", the "causer" or "initiator" of the action or contributor to the action still being wholly unregenerate. This is the very opposite meaning of the Greek text and why they always err here.
Correctly translated and understood, in the usage of the verbs "accept" or "receive" man properly is the object of the action, not the subject or initiator of the action. Man is the Recipient of what G-d in His Sovereign Will Gives to him. It is only in this sense that he "receives" or "accepts". This is the true meaning and Truly Grace.
Without it, unregenerate man does not find Jesus "acceptable" in a complete Grace sense, that is, in the Truth of this Gospel of Grace but he may find some aspect of the Gospel "appealing", or "find or get Jesus" in a "pseudo-religious", intellectual, socio-psychological, rational, emotional or a "logically-associative" sense, none of which are at all Salvific. We call one such example "The Empathetic Appeal Gospel". There is also "The Sociological Appeal Gospel" in which unregenerate man merely seeks sociological or "peer group" acceptance among the unsaved. He believes he is saved by the associations he has. "The Love Gospel" is another example. Man remains unsaved because he believes a "different gospel" other than the True Gospel (Grace All The Way) and is deceived into thinking his own works, "holy living" or "works-righteousness" are what have been additionally required to "save" him and "keep him Saved" or contribute in any manner thereto. These "human works" are assumed to contribute in some measure, no matter how small, to his Salvation. "Human faith" is never quite sufficient, however. That is why human works have to be added. Then he proceeds to teach others this "different gospel" while all remain in darkness.
This "different gospel" is now preached far and wide and has made its' way into many denominations, churches and even families, who, generation after generation, teach it among themselves and to others who give them ear.
In opposition to their teaching, the Word of G-d says that the Father Has Foreordained His Chosen People (Jews and Gentiles) "Acceptable" (because they were Elect) and Draws them to Jesus (John 6:44). All of them are raised up at the Last Day by Christ and none are lost. The Gift of Divine Faith[2] was Given to them and none of them can be Eternally lost because He Sees that they are not. Divine Faith is our Most Precious Gift that He Alone Gives. Ephesians 2:8,9
The reason that man remains unsaved is that he remains only in "human faith" and rejects this Gospel of Grace and Mercy and of necessity adds his own works to G-ds' Grace Plan which immediately makes Grace "no more Grace". None of mans' works are acceptable even if he appears or gives evidence of all the "holy living" and "works-righteousness" in the whole world. Everything that man does is corrupted, unclean and unacceptable in G-ds' Sight because of the Fall of Adam. There is nothing in unregenerate man whatsoever that can Save him Eternally. Period. Yeshua makes this clear:
This is true for the unsaved and also after Salvation as well. Human works cannot Redeem, nor can they Sanctify. Only G-d Working in and through us by Faith Alone does anything. Paul makes this clear here:
Paul was not Saved because of his "holy living" or any other thing. He was Saved because he "obtained Mercy of the L-RD". True Holiness comes from G-d Working in us, not our own works no matter how "holy" they may seem or appear to be, or others tell us they are.
The author insists (by rejecting Eternal Security which is Given to His Elect alone) that none can depend on G-d to Keep us Eternally Secure (to "keep us from falling"), but that we can depend on our own "good works" to "ensure our salvation". That is incorrect.
3. All Believers should be well aware in advance that the true meaning of "accept" and "receive" are never correctly understood by any Christian Humanist. It makes no sense to them. They are told to interpret these words to mean "a human act" on the part of unregenerate or carnal man (who is declared "dead in trespasses and sins") in which some or all of unregenerate mans' own ability "participates" at some point in securing his own salvation or "staying saved".
All Believers should understand that all unregenerate or carnal men are Spiritually dead by the Fall of Adam. This is all in spite of the "good works" they outwardly appear to have or demonstrate. Unregenerate man cannot "will" himself free of the result of Adams' sin, or "help God" through "works-righteousness" to do it either. Man plays no part. Salvation is completely the L-RDs' Work in Grace in Jesus Christs' Work Alone and our Faith Alone in Him and not mans' at any point. (Jonah 2:9) Those in error come to insert Humanistic Elements into the Gospel. Any Humanistic Element inserted into the the Gospel is manifest error.
The way these erroneous elements have always been introduced into the Churches has been by some aspect of Phariseeism in the Old Testament or Christian Humanism in the New.
author said
4. "(Eternal Security) allows people to commit every sin under the sun without suffering any consequences for their complete lack of holy living."
Our Answer
For anyone to construe that from Eternal Security is amazing. The author has completely overlooked G-ds' Role in Administering Divine Discipline toward any Saved person who falls into a lifestyle of sin. There are certainly "consequences suffered" for straying too far. Our author should know that as Scripture is very clear on this point, but the author overlooks this pivotal fact. No one "gets away" with anything. The author would imply that someone could, in which case G-d would be unjust. It is completely erroneous.
There is True Liberty in the Spirit, yes, but not a license to sin. Scripture is very clear here also.
Scripture also speaks of "the sin unto death" (I John 5:17) for the grossly unrepentant who go back to a lifestyle of sin. Has our author forgotten that verse? Does he not know about it? The author seems to think someone will be permitted to sin more than he does and get away with it? It makes us wonder if the author has closely studied the Bible thoroughly at all?
The authors statement, for instance: "without suffering any consequences for their complete lack of holy living."? We do not know where he is getting this. Peter makes it clear here:
Surely having the "Face of the L-rd" against you is a "consequence" is it not? Then how can it be said they go along "without suffering any consequences"? The authors' entire statement becomes a reductio ad absurdum.
5. The author says "complete lack of holy living". He does not bring forth his "list" of "works righteousness" yet however, or what comprises sufficient "holy living" to him or the "group" he is trying to represent. Legalists do have "lists". These things can include women not cutting their hair, wearing no makeup, wearing no jewelry, no dancing, men not wearing short-sleeved shirts or any number of legalistic requirements for "holy living" (in their own "holy" opinion).
The main issue here is "faith plus works" or "works- righteousness" with no mention of Faith Alone in Jesus Christ as our only Way of Salvation, apart from our own works. The author here makes Salvation (ultimately being Saved) contingent upon "holy living" here. Scripture is clear on this. We are Saved by Faith Alone in Jesus Christ without any of our own works whatsoever. We are made Sanctified the same way. We are Saved only by His Righteousness which He Imputes to us by our Faith in Him as Jeremiah said:
But what of mans' righteousness in "holy living"? Isaiah tells us:
This does not mean that human righteousness accomplishes nothing in "this world" for it many times will. G-d Controls All Events, even those, and there is nothing outside the scope of His Sovereignty. Matthew 28:18. Societies and cultures can be kept relatively stable by human righteousness. Our own righteousness however, has no Spiritual Value in His Sight whatsoever either to Save or Sanctify. This is what makes us separate from "the world" and its "works-righteousness" systems. Neither our Salvation nor Sanctification is dependant at any point upon our own works, our own "holy living" or any other form of mans' righteousness, but only the L-RDs' Righteousness Imputed by His Grace through Faith Alone in Jesus Christ. All is in Jesus Christ.
All Good Works are of Divine Origin through us and come because of Salvation. They are the proof of Salvation, and G-d is the Author of them, not ourselves. (Philippians 2:13) We can take no credit. Salvation does not come by any mans' attempts at "holy living" at all, but by Faith Alone in Jesus Christ and His Works already Finished for us. To imply or assert that our works instead might in any sense be Effectual to secure Salvation is clearly "another gospel", a "gospel of faith plus works". Paul proclaims this type gospel "a different gospel".
Case in Point: If there ever did exist the most superior and perfect form of "holy living" or "holy works" that could have ever Saved anyone, these would come certainly from the Torah and obedience to the Law. There are no greater "works" possible, neither will there ever be. Yet, none of those works can Save, or did Save anyone. No matter what the author defines as "holy living" that he says will Save, the works of the Law beat out his list by infinite miles. If he says otherwise he simply does not know what he is talking about. Paul tells us that none of those works can or did Save anyone. And no matter what the author presents as sufficient "holy living" can Eternally Save anyone either.
This is not to cast any aspersions on Lawfulness as stated before, but to point out that these things have never and will never Save anyone is the Duty of every Teacher of Soteriology and Sanctification. Salvation and Sanctification and every other thing we Receive from G-d are ONLY in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ and by Faith Alone in Him, adding none of our own works.
author says
"Why most people lack any concern for their eternal salvation is the most baffling question I can ponder. It says in the Bible that few people will choose to make heaven their eternal home. (Mat 7:13-14) The Bible and man are in sharp conflict with each other, because most folks expect to be bound for heaven when they leave this world."
Our Answer
The ones who do not make it have all trusted in their own unregenerate ability or "works righteousness" (great or small) to Save them, but G-d does not accept their own "holy living". G-d only Accepts the Work of His Dear Son and our Faith in it. Only Faith Alone in Jesus Christ and His Work Alone on the cross Saves and Sanctifies us. The argument that the author presents was the Main Reason the 16th Century Protestant Reformation became necessary.
author says
"It's no accident that most people are deceived about their eternal destiny. Satan, who is describes as the enemy of mankind, has made the damnation of souls his full-time job. Of course, everyone that's been hoodwinked by the devil into believing a lie only has themselves to blame for their poor judgment."
Our Answer
Here our author makes the Cause of damnation "poor judgment"? Is not "human judgment" a "human ability"? Once again he has the Cause of our Salvation dependant on mans' ability. It is evident that he is stating that all persons have been born with the same amount or a sufficient amount of this "judgment" to "save themselves". But is this true? This makes mans' Salvation absolutely contingent on their human "judgment" ability. The Humanistic solution is presented once more. Dependance upon self; "human judgment" in this case.. It is completely erroneous. But more than that, it immediately leads to a Heresy as we shall see.
Here our author departs from mere Arminianism. Arminianism was fully condemned at the Synod of Dort and also in the monumental work Lex Rex.[3] It is very apparent that the author has never read Lex Rex which somehow comes as no great surprise. His view (assigning man any ability) was previously Ruled by the early Church to be a Heresy called Pelagianism or Semi-Pelagianism. Attentive readers should be able to see immediately our authors' rush headlong from one false teaching spiralling downward to a Heresy; Pelagianism or Semi-Pelagianism in this case.
author says
"Satan doesn't come knocking on everyone's door saying, "Excuse me, could I please deceive you into losing your eternal soul." The devil and his fallen angels have a much smother approach. They labor 24 hours a day seven days a week, dreaming up new schemes that have men following paths that appear to be the way to heaven, but in reality they all lead to a dead end called hell."
Our Answer
Here, our author empowers satan with abilities which can thwart G-ds' Sovereign Will. Nonsense! At no point can satan do this. Arminians often assign to satan far more power than he really has. satan can only do things by Permission. Also the Archangel Michael is Mightier and more Powerful than satan.
Some use "fear of the devil" to frighten new believers into following false teaching. If satan could overcome Michael and the Elect Angels he would already have them all in captivity.
G-ds' Word clearly says that even we have Power over satan in the Mighty Name of Jesus, and he flees from us when we Rebuke him in Jesus' Name.
author says
"The all pervasive eternal security teaching has to ranks as one of the devil's favorite tools for deceiving man into neglecting or turning away from God's plan of salvation."
Our Answer
The author introduces his (or anothers') opinion, learned who knows where, as there are no credits or sources provided anywhere in this article as to the actual origin of this "plan of salvation". Our author is perhaps unaware that it is based on a Heresy: Pelagianism or Semi-Pelagianism (see link above). Persons cannot be Justified by Heresies. That is why they were Ruled Heresies in the first place and were rooted out of the Churches. Those who preached them and their followers were excommunicated early-on.
author says
"Alarm bells should have sounded immediately the first time it was made known that eternal security allows its adherents to sin as they please."
Our Answer
Eternal Security never makes this statement, nor does it imply any such thing. The author once more returns to assigning to unregenerate man a human work or a "power" to save and thus the Cause of Eternal Salvation.
The only "alarm bells" going off right now are the ones that warn us about the authors' steady drift into Pelagianism/Semi-Pelagianism. This was all previously Ruled on by the Churches Assembled at the Council of Orange in 529 A.D. This was long before there was a "roman catholic church" by the way.
author says
"I'm amazed that a doctrine so contrary to the word of God could have so many people relying upon it as their means of salvation. Jesus said, "he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Mat 24:13) For someone to think they can just claim Jesus as their Savior and go on living a life of iniquity is ridiculous. Jesus told us in Mat 7:23, when judgment day comes, He'll be saying to many, "...I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
author cites this Scripture
"...I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Our Answer
These are persons who were lawless and were never Saved in the first place, although they did do what the author says is necessary, as they were tremendously involved in "holy living" ("many wonderful works").
The authors' reasoning is flawed to use this verse to deny Eternal Security. Yeshua says in the beginning of the same verse (which the author apparently has missed?) "...I never Knew you". How could these persons have ever been Saved (as the authors' argument is that they were) if He "never Knew them"? It is preposterous.
With this sort of reasoning and citing verses out of context it is no wonder our author gets way off on the wrong track.
Here also is where the author would make his "holy living", or, the performance of "many wonderful works"? Salvation does not depend at all on mans' "holy living", but on G-ds' Working in His Elect by Faith Alone, His Gift. If anyone could secure Eternal Salvation for themselves, then Yeshua would not have had to die for anyone. The author has himself being our own saviors. No, no, a thousand times no! All of our Salvation and everything else that goes with it has Its Origin and Completion in Jesus Christ Alone, not man. Philippians 2:13
author says
"The Need For Open-Mindedness I'm very familiar with the average person's love for eternal security. Some folks cling to this doctrine with a mind so closed that it can only describe as a steel vault that has been welded shut on both sides, with them locked inside. I just hope these people checked with the word of God before sealing themselves in. I've had several of them tell me, "I don't know where it says in the Bible I have eternal security, I just know somehow it's here."
author said:
"Some folks cling to this doctrine with a mind so closed that it can only describe as a steel vault that has been welded shut on both sides, with them locked inside."
Our Answer
This may seem petty, but the author apparently has a different idea about dimensions than the rest of us do? He has a "steel vault sealed on both sides". Last time we checked, "vaults" had 6 sides not 2?
author continues
"Who in their right mind would buy a house without seeing it first, and who would be foolish enough to invest their eternal destiny into a doctrine that they never thoroughly verified?"
author said
"Who in their right mind...?", and "verified";
Our Answer
Who indeed. And these teachings have been "verified" by such people as: Augustine, Jerome, Ambrose, Gregory of Nissa, John Huss, Martin Luther and many, many others. Sir Isaac Newton believed in Eternal Security, so did Willian Shakespeare and John Milton. So did the Pilgrims who came to America. Did believing the Doctrine of Eternal Security cause them to "commit any sin they wished"? Are they all now in hell? No, quite the opposite. The authors' argument fails to succeed here, again.
Our Salvation does not rest on any mans' words or works or any mans' "holy living"; his does. No matter how much they may boast of "holy living". That is exactly what the Pharisees did. That is what the Roman Catholic Church also did that led to the Protestant Reformation.
author says
"One of the main reasons the book of James was written was to combat this false doctrine of eternal security. When I tell someone James' comments on the matter: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:26), People will flatly refuse to believe the words right in front of their eyes."
Our Answer
Here is the crux of the matter. The author misinterprets Scripture and uses the same reasoning and verse the Jehovahs' Witnesses and other "salvation by faith plus works" cults use.
Yakov (James) 2:26 is referring to Good Works after Salvation that give evidence that one really has Divine Faith. Not that these works Save.
Good Works after Salvation are the fruits of Salvation and proof showing you are Saved, not the Cause of Salvation. What the author is teaching now is also taught by the Jehovahs' Witnesses and other "salvation by faith plus works" organizations.
The author here omits "Faith Alone" (Sola Fide) and says "works" are of Necessity an additional Cause of our Eternal Salvation. Again he teaches a "different gospel"; one that is cultic in origin.
It should also be remembered that the "works" that are mentioned in James 2:26 would also include True Doctrine being Preached, not false. True Doctrine provides Evidence of True Salvation. Those who continue to teach false doctrine after they hear Truth, their Salvation can rightly be said to be in doubt.
Here is what Martin Luther said about the The Book of James Chapter 2. Compare our authors' "teaching" with Luthers'.
author says
"I get reactions like: "What version is your Bible?," "Yea, but did you check the meaning in the original Greek?," "Dose it say that anywhere else in the Bible?," or no reaction it all.
Our Answer
The only question that needs to be answered is where is the author getting this doctrine and teaching? He does not provide any sources whatsoever for this teaching.
author says
"When I was a young Christian, I heard the eternal security message and I thought, "that sounds great." However, being a wise little Christian I checked for opposing scriptures and I found plenty, so I ask you to please read this with an open-mind.
"A Three-Way Warning In researching this article, I was primarily looking for warnings that applied to Christians who think they can remain in sin. As I was looking through the book of Ezekiel, I found a passage that acts as a very good warning to the wicked, the wayward saints, and to all Christian leaders.
"Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 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. Ezekiel 3:19-20 The warning to the Christian leaders shouldn't go by with out comment. I would guess a near majority of our nation's preachers believe in eternal security. I'm not going to read the riot act to anyone who teaches eternal security. But I will say that preaching responsibility instead of eternal security is a move where you just can't go wrong."
Our Answer
This statement that you "just can't go wrong" is misleading. Here our author rejects Eternal Assurance of Salvation.
The author may preach "assurance" on a "conditional level" that includes (once more) their "list of works" of what comprises "holy living" to "stay Saved". "Faith plus works" is ultimately a "gospel of works" and is not a True Teaching.
Consider this: If only 100 "good works" after Salvation were required to "keep us Saved" and therefore Eternally Saved, how can we be sure that 101 good works are not required? Or 102? or 10,002?
author says
"Grace Demands Responsibility In the Bible there are several passages where God promises us the gift of eternal life, and the Bible also makes it perfectly clear that we can never earn that gift. However, a problem develops when people start to think that they don't need to show any responsibilities towards God's gift of salvation."
"I have read several authors that believe in eternal security and everyone of them only searched for references that reflected God's commitment to saving us. After digging a little deeper, I found a gold mine of evidence that everyone who's under God's grace needs to accept that dreaded word responsibility."
Our Answer
We do not reject it. The author assumes believers in Eternal Security "reject responsiblity" (?) This is a very serious error. We accept such Confessions as the Westminister Confession which states that Blessings are based on Obedience. It is clear the author has obviously not read this Confession because it is stated plainly right in it.
It is also found in the First London Confession of Faith which very possibly the author has not read either.
author says
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (Matthew 7:21-22)"
"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. (1 Timothy 4:1)"
"And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. (Exodus 32:33)"
"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. (Revelation 3:5)"
"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, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 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. Hebrews 6:4-6"
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46)"
"God Didn't Include Any Exemptions You can just about open up your Bible to any page and find a reference to God's hatred of sin. No one after reading the Bible from cover to cover, should be able to make the conclusion that God winks at iniquity. In several places, God lists the types of conduct He simply refuses to tolerate. When I read the following scriptures, I failed to spot any exemptions allowing Christians to ignore God's warns:
"Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:15)"
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Tim 3:1-5"
"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. (Revelation 21:8)"
"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. 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. 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. (2 Peter 2:20-22)"
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. (1 Corinthians 5:11):
"A License To Sin I think the most flagrant problem with the once-saved-always-save doctrine is the notion people can confess to be a Christian, and yet live a life so depraved, the devil hinself would refuse to associate with them. Those that promote eternal security never mention the fact that people openly abuse the sin option. I remember meeting with one prime example:
Our Answer
This is a radical oversimplification. The author asserts that persons to whom it has been Revealed that they are Eternally Secure, (according to our author) "live a life so depraved"? This whole line of reasoning is without foundation and subtly defames, accuses and slanders the Saints of the Most High G-d.
author says
"One day I was talking with a gentlemen about prophecy[4], and from the start I was aware of the fact he was smoking, which usually doesn't bother me. However, when he begin using profanity, that did bother me."
Our Answer
First, it should be known that the one he brings forth as his "straw man" here is not known to us, associated with us, or anyone we know.
Not all that claim to be Saved, no matter what doctrine they profess, are Saved. If they remain unregenerate they cannot be Saved. Note also that he addresses him as "gentleman" then goes about to list reasons why none perhaps should call him a "gentleman".
author says
"I thought it would be a good idea to ask him if Christians could miss out on the rapture. He, of course, didn't think it was possible for a believers to fall away, causing them to miss the rapture. As the conversation progressed, or better said digressed, he continued to chain smoke, curse repeatedly, and refer to a certain racial groups using inappropriate terms."
Our Answer
Anyone that "misses out" on going to Heaven is not a Christian. Nor were they ever one. Here the author sets up a "straw man" and apparently wants to use his lifestyle as indicative of every single person that believes in Eternal Security. His "sampling" is simply too small to jump to the conclusions he has erroneously reached.
author says
"He had little knowledge of the Bible, but he did know all the once-saved-always-saved scriptures by heart. I quoted several responsibility scriptures to him, but he absolutely refused to even ponder one them. It was like talking to a member of some mind control cult."
"Somehow we got to talking about his smoking habit, and he gave me an explanation that I just could not believe. This guy with a straight face explained to me, because he's a child of God, whatever he does is God's will being done."
"He pointed to the cigarette he was smoking and said, I'm smoking this because God wants me to, and when He wants me to stop, He'll tell me. I should of asked him, "How could it be the Lord's will that Christians should cheat on their spouses or abuse their children?" I've heard this demonic theory before, but I'd never thought I'd meet anyone who believed it."
"Well, after several hours of listening to his "it God's will" reasoning and after realizing I was getting nowhere, I decided I had enough, and I bluntly told him, "That cigarette you have in your hand is your god, and until you make Jesus Christ number one in your life, you will never see the kingdom of God."
"His reaction amazed me. He cursed God's name saying, "There is no [expletive] way he is going to leave one of his own behind." It really wasn't the cursing that amazed me, it was that fact he had no idea that the Bible and his beliefs were in total contradiction to each other."
"Few There Be That Find It In America about 84 percent of its citizens claim to be "Christian," and a reported 57 percent belong to a church. When asked if they think they'll be going to heaven, over 90 percent believe that heaven will be their final destination."
"Despite people's overwhelming optimism, Jesus in Mat 7:13-14 said few would be saved. I've been asking people what they believe all my life, and I've found a very large portion of society holds to some form of the once-saved-always-saved doctrine."
"I've had several people tell me, they've eternally settled the issue long ago, and this are from people who openly smoke, swear, lie, cheat, or you name it. In order for Jesus to be telling the truth, eternal security would have to be an absolute falsehood."
Our Answer
The author appears to be hanging around with the wrong crowd? Here the author simply focuses on outward things as well. Let us say this first. Not that these things he mentions above are necessarily good to do, but many New-Agers also don't smoke, swear, lie, are not racists or cheat either. The same can be said for the non-religious. Does that make them "closer to God"? I'm fairly sure some would think so! But this is not the case.
It therefore must ask: Are New-Agers or people of other religions "holier people" if they do not do what this author says is bad? They may mention Jesus. Does that mean they are Saved? Of course not. And we are fairly certain the author would not say that they were either, but his focusing on outward things and not on Faith Alone in Jesus Christ fosters legalistic conclusions and a leads to "gospel of works".
While it is true that "you shall know them by their fruits", why would the author depend on anyone that he has said he thinks is not Saved in the first place to tell him what Eternal Security means and use the answers as any fait accompli in the second place.
author says
"Knowing that the odds are already stacked against us, for someone to come along and offer us a "guaranteed" ticket to glory and an unlimited option to sin as I so desire, our reaction should be, "Get thee behind me Satan!"
Our Answer
The author now has Salvation dependant upon "odds"? As a "game of chance"? Salvation is therefore subject to "chance" with "odds" being "stacked against us" of being Saved? No wonder the author is so focused on "works" to "save" him, with salvation being compared to a game of chance.
Also he cites the verse, "Get thee behind Me satan". These words were spoken to the Apostle Peter. Did Peter then "lose his salvation" and so had to be "resaved" at a later time perhaps? Exactly where do we find Peters' "resalvation" in Scripture if so.
author says
"Some Examples From The Bible Saul King Of Israel A number of preachers will tell you that Saul, the first king of Israel, was saved when he died. They may believe that, but what does the word of God say regarding Saul's fate:
"So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; And inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. (1 Chronicles 10:13-14) If this is describing a faithful saint of God going home to glory, then I guess I don't understand plain English."
Our Answer
The author appears not to have studied the subject he is presenting fully enough. The Reformers who preached Eternal Security, themselves expressed doubts that Saul was Saved.
author says
"Ananias And Sapphira The once-saved-always-saved folks will also tell you that Ananias and Sapphira died saved, but again what does the Bible say:
Our Answer
Again, the author has assumed that all persons who believe in Eternal Security say that these people were saved. This is not so.
author says
"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying [her] forth, buried [her] by her husband. (Acts 5:1-10) These two people were liars, and what does the Bible say about liars. In Rev 21:8 it says, "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."
"Those That Change Their Minds Another bizarre argument that the eternal security crowd propagates is the idea that once you decide to become a Christian, you can never change your mind. Once you're in there's no escape. What Bible did this cultic teaching coming from, certainly not the one I'm using."
author said
"once you decide to become a Christian"
Our Answer
Again there is a misunderstanding of the Divine Mechanics of Salvation and so therefore Soteriology. It seems to resemble "The Humanistic Democratic Scenario of Salvation" teaching; i.e.
"God votes for you, the devil votes against you, and you cast the deciding vote."
As if the devils' vote was equal to G-ds' Will which is ludicrous.
No unregenerate person (who "is dead in trespasses and sins") can "become a Christian" in his own unregenerate state by doing any "human work". To teach otherwise is Pelagianism ot Semi-Pelagianism. (op. cit.) All is of Grace and nothing is from man. John 6:44. He repeats the error of Pelagius. (see link above).
author says
"The apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 2:21 that it would "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." Not only did Peter say that believers can turn away, but he said it would be better for them to not have become aware of something that would end up haunting them throughout all eternity."
"One excuse I hear a lot that tries to explain how someone can seem to fall away is the statement that "these people never really believed in the first place." I known people who were saved miraculous, yet they fell away. If their salvation wasn't legitimate, then I'd have to doubt honesty of every all confessions."
author wrote
"I known (sic) people who were saved miraculous (sic), yet they fell away".
Our Answer
The author obviously judges what he calls "salvation" by an outward appearance. He never knew their heart.
author says
"Causing Your Brother To Stumble Even if the advocates of the eternal security were somehow correct in their position, they would still be in gross violation of a doctrine that Paul laid out in Romans 14:14-20."
"The Apostle Paul told the Romans that even though there's nothing scripturally wrong with eating meat sacrificed to idols, they shouldn't do so, because if a brother saw them eating the meat, they could cause him to stumble, do to the fact he may not know there's nothing evil about consuming pagan meat."
author incredibly claims
"The Apostle Paul told the Romans that even though there's nothing scripturally wrong with eating meat sacrificed to idols, they shouldn't do so, because if a brother saw them eating the meat, they could cause him to stumble..."
"nothing scripturally wrong". We Object
Here the author attempts to compare Eternal Security to the consumption of idolatrous sacrifices? Our author completely distorts and misinterprets Pauls' words.
First of all, he says there is "nothing scripturally wrong with eating meat sacrificed to idols". He means even if a Believer KNOWS it has been so sacrificed, and KNOWS the true teaching.
Second of all, after Salvation, the Gentiles are absolutely forbidden to eat meat sacrificed to idols. Acts 15:20 and also see especially Acts 21:25. Observant Jews also are taught that such things are abominations and pollutions and to not eat of them.
Even Observant Jews would never do such a thing or teach such a thing to Gentiles. The Orthodox Jews tell the Gentiles to follow the Laws of Noah or Noachide Laws. The Scriptures cited from the Book of Acts above are the Noachide Laws in basic form from Bereshith (Genesis) 9 which every Observant Jew knows. This is no secret either.
Third of all, there NEVER WAS a time that any Saved Christian or anyone of Israel was Permitted to _knowingly_ eat of meat sacrificed to the pollutions of idols, Period. See the example of Daniel in Babylon who refused to eat of the kings' meat.
The author has completely misunderstood Paul again, and as a result, teaches errors, again. Any well-trained missionary knows this subject. Such a teaching leads people to the defilement of their consciences.
It is untrue that after Salvation, Believers are Permitted to knowingly consume meat sacrificed to an idol, either publically or privately. If the believer is not informed, that is a different matter. But once he is informed that it has been and _knows_ that it has been and the true teaching, he is to not eat of it.
"Little children keep yourselves from idols" and also keep yourselves from the authors' teaching about these things of which, sadly, he has been misinformed?
Some may believe themselves "teachers of the Law" but this is not the Law on this subject.
Last of all, Peters' warning here applies concerning things written by Paul:
The Apostle Peter says persons who follow false teaching which "wrests" Pauls' words to say what they do not say follow the "error of the wicked".
Our author directs (perhaps unwittingly) toward abominations instead of away from them.
author says
"Now compare Paul's advise with those who think they should be able live an impure life. If you're the only Christian at your work place, and at your next office party, you get drunk as a skunk. Doesn't that tell your unsaved co-workers, drinking booze is OK with God?"
"If we were going to rectify Paul's writings in Romans with the examples that many Christians are setting today, we would have Paul jumping up on a table and offering praises to almighty Zeus for this wonderful meal."
"In Mat 18:6 Jesus spoke of anyone who would cause little children to stumble said, "...it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
"Rewards When we leave this world behind, the only thing we'll be taking with us is the works we've performed. In heaven, the status and rewards that God will be bestowing upon us are completely determined by what we achieve down here on earth.
The author teaches:
"Rewards When we leave this world behind, the only thing we'll be taking with us is the works we've performed. In heaven, the status and rewards that God will be bestowing upon us are completely determined by what we achieve down here on earth."
Our Firm Answer
Can our own "works" or what "we achieved down here on earth" do any of these things? Our own works are meaningless. They stink and are corrupted at the lowest level. It was Christs' Work Alone that He Did for us that accomplishes All. Otherwise He never would have had to come and shed His Precious Blood in the first place!
His Works ALL came from Heaven, and were not earthly. He is from Above and all His Words and Works are from Above and not of this earth. Neither is His Kingdom of this earth.
All human works are "from beneath" and will not be "rewarded" as the author claims they will, but be Rejected and burned-up at the Judgment Seat of The Holy One of Israel as wood, hay and stubble. Vanity and corruption. No human works are Acceptable, only Divine Works which were already Finished. We enter into them by Faith Alone in Christs' Finished Work having ceased from our own works as G-d did from His. Hebrews 4.
Christs' Finished Work on the Cross of Calvary is the Sole Work Accepted by the Father. Period. The author errs greatly here.
Teaching that our own works in any way contribute or play any part in our Salvation, Sanctification or Divine Rewards is false teaching of the Papist variety.
author continues
"If you're someone whose only goal is to just get by, I think you need to reconsider your retirement plan. Jesus told his disciples, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)
"Many Christians are expecting receive a mansion from Jesus, but if our works are what Jesus will be using to build that mansion, the only thing someone should be expecting is a grass hut with a dirt floor."
author suggests
"Many Christians are expecting receive a mansion from Jesus, but if our works are what Jesus will be using to build that mansion, the only thing someone should be expecting is a grass hut with a dirt floor."
Our Answer
Jesus Christ uses none of "our own works". They are totally foul and unacceptable. This is why the unbeliever remains unsaved. He thinks his works "earn" something either for Salvation or for him in the next life. They never will.
author continues
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 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." (Gal 6:7-8)"
"If all you've done is sown to the flesh, then how can you possibly think you'll be reaping from anything but the flesh."
author stated
"If all you've done is sown to the flesh, then how can you possibly think you'll be reaping from anything but the flesh."
Our Answer
The ones who are "deceived" are the ones who have sown to their own works, and they shall reap their own works.
The author fails to realize that all of our own works are "in the flesh". The author does not direct toward Christs' Finished Work on the Cross Alone or distinguish between the two, but assigns a "saving power" to "our own works" over and over.
This is "salvation by works"; our own works. It is totally false and popish to the core.
author says
"In Conclusion Finally, if there really was a shred of truth to the eternal security doctrine, Jesus would have had preacher spreading the gospel in an entirely different way than what's currently be used. Evangelists would simply be on street corners with a sign-up sheets yelling, "Just sign your name folks and we'll fill-out the paperwork for you." Everyone would be saved and hell would be very lonely place."
"Unfortunately, because of doctrines like eternal security, hell has had to enlarge itself to make room for the millions of lost souls that have been deceived into going there. (Isaiah 5:14)"
Our Answer
All of His Chosen People which are the True Israel of G-d will go to Heaven. The author here claims that all those that Believe in Eternal Security do the equivalent of teaching they can "fill out paperwork" (a manifest human work) for converts so they can be "saved". This is a complete and utter falsehood; a distortion of what Eternal Security teaches. Man does no work and cannot "fill out paperwork" that can ever Save anyone! No true teacher of Eternal Security that we have ever heard of ever made any such ridiculous claim! The authors' "straw man" here is a product of his own fertile imagination only, not based on reality.
Yeshua said, "I have lost not one". Salvation is in Him Alone. These are Believing Jews and Gentiles. All of them are Drawn by the Father to Jesus and He will Raise all of us up at the Last Day. John 6:44
We recommend the next time our author sits down for a Thanksgiving Dinner he should remember well that the Pilgrims believed in and taught Eternal Security, and all of them that Believed by Divine Faith Alone, following the Doctrines of Luther and the Reformers are now in Heaven totally without the aid of any of their own works!
author says
"Like it or not, everyone of us is involved in a race, with heaven as the finish line. I Don't think it matters with God well you run the race. What he's looking for is whether or not you stay in the race. I like how one preacher put it, " When you come through the pearly gates, you may be so spiritually week that you'll need two angles on each side of you to keep you from falling over."
author said
"I Don't think it matters with God well you run the race" and "two angles (sic)".
Our Answer
Can the author produce Scripture for these whatsoever? No.
It certainly does matter how the race is run. It is all to be run in Grace.
"human works" can be extremely tiring. Dependance upon them at any point to Save does not Save.
author says
"At times the road may appear long and difficult, but if you keep your mind focused on the prize, I'm confident you can make it. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." (James 1:12)"
Our Answer
The Roman Catholic Church in the Middle Ages did likewise, using these Scriptures above to establish an entire "religious system" based on "Meriting the Merit of Christ" over the centuries rooted in the Pharisaical doctrine of "faith plus works" to "stay Saved" ("remaining in Grace until death"). Even the popes' "knights in shining armor" with papers from Rome, engaged in long religious pilgrimages arrayed in their gleaming fineries hoping to "earn Grace: to "stay Saved" that way. But Faith Alone in Jesus Christ and His Sacrifice FOR US is what Saves and Sanctifies, not any human works or reliance on them at all.
All their "holy living" and "shining armor" never availed one speck. Here is what one individual said about all this misinterpretation of Scripture leading to the exaltation of "holy living" and the ones who taught it. We do wonder how the author above would answer these statements:
"...Whenever the devil declares, "You are a Sinner!" Christ interposes: "I will reverse the order; I will be made sin, and you are to go scotfree." Who can thank God enough for this Mercy?
"And now if Holy Scripture contains verses which seem to intimate that one should atone for his sin through good works, you should apply them to the inferior realm of domestic affairs or of temptoral government; enjoin them upon fathers and mothers, and do not use them in an attempt to prove that good works could present satisfaction for your sins before God. Good works leave sins unborne and unpaid; the Lamb, however, bears them all...
"...We learn that we have been hurled into sin by the devil and that the Lamb alone extricates us.
"...If someone does not partake of and enjoy such Grace and Mercy, he has none to blame but himself and his refusal to believe and accept it. He says to himself, 'This does not pertain to you, but only St. Peter and St. Paul. I must become a monk, invoke the saints, and go on pilgrimages.' Go to the devil if you refuse to believe these words!"
Martin Luther. Luthers' Works. Volume 22. The Gospel of John.
IN CLOSING, BY REJECTING ALL OF ETERNAL SECURITY, THE AUTHOR WILL BE FORCED TO REWRITE ALL THE GREAT HYMNS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH EN TOTO
We have all heard the great hymn, "Amazing Grace"? For them to be honest, it should be rewritten by those of the authors' persuasion and might go something like this:
Amazing Grace? Semi-sweet the sound, won't my works Save a worker like me?
I once was lost, but now I work!
Not blind, Im a busy little bee.
I just may make it for those 10,000 years,
But none can be sure if they'll shine like the sun,
Though not assured of future days,
But we continue to Praise,
(Thy Grace won't do it All)
Wait awhile Lord, for I haven't saved myself.
but I've only just begun!
Yes, my own works will decide,
So I'll will and turn the tide!
Or might proclaim something like this:
"I'm sure I can ordain to save myself (since it could not be possible that God has Pre-Ordained for me to be Saved and could do all the Work, therefore I have no Eternal Assurance as an automatic result), maybe looking like a preacher for good measure will get it done?"
And then this Hymn?
Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion City of our God!
He whose Promise is a dice game,
We can't be Pre-Ordained for Your Abode.
With my own works I'll will that honor,
Who dares shake our trust in them?
With works-righteousness surrounded,
I Elect myself, in the eyes of men.
Martin Luther and the Reformers who followed spoke the Truth on this point and shook the Church of their day to its foundations.
No matter if our author claimed to have the "holiest life" in all Christendom and dressed himself in a full suit of knights' armor, brandished a broadsword that shone like a mirror, and produced manifold multiplied, visible and glorious works to prove his "holiness" would we believe him or follow him on any "pilgrimage to gain salvation".
We, leaning only on G-ds' Grace and Mercy follow Jesus Christ and only place our Trust in His Works and lean on them by Faith Alone.
Amen and Amen.
FOOTNOTES
The ones who become disenchanted and fall away are the ones that appear to "lose their salvation", however, they never were Truly Saved in the first place, and all their "human faith" and "holy living" in which they trusted is meaningless. There are others who are unsaved that still remain in the Churches, and teach in the Churches.
And from where do these teachers of false things come from, and why do they do so? Jude says:
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old Ordained to this condemnation... Jude 1:4
[2
Jude makes this clear:
But ye, Beloved, building up yourselves on your Most Holy Faith, Praying in the Holy Spirit. Jude 1:20
Jude does not say, "with your faith", but ON your Faith, as Faith is a Gift Given to the "Beloved". He also says, "Most Holy Faith" (Divine Faith) which is not in unregenerate man. There is nothing "Holy" in unregenerate man, no matter how much he may think, imagine, "have emotional goosebumps", "will himself", "have human faith" or be taught that his works are "holy" enough.
Our author also possesses an odd understanding of Election. In another teaching he says this:
"When you are saved, you accept God's Grace given to men through His Son Jesus. You then become part of the elect..." (same author. "Grace or Works?")
He has Election happening after (?) Salvation, instead of before, and wholly contingent on mans' actions. Unregenerate man, according to our author, simply chooses to "elect" himself!
As also can be seen from the above and elsewhere in the authors' attempt to explain Savation, he overestimates ungernerate mans' free will. Here is what a certain scholar who, we daresay, did a considerable amount more studying on the subject than our author said of free will in the unregenerate:
"To be sure, it (mans' unregenerate will) is free in a natural way, but only with respect to those things which are under its power and lower than itself, but not with respect to the things above it, since it is captive in sin and now cannot choose that which is good in God's eyes." (Martin Luther. Lectures on Romans.)
[3
"Here be soft words, but is subversion of religion, laws, and liberties of church and state. Introduction of popery, Arminianism, of idolatry, altar-worship, the mass (proved by a learned treatise, 'The Canterburian self-conviction,' printed 1641, third ed., never answered, couched under the name of inconveniency), the pardoning of innocent blood of hundreds of thousands in Ireland, the killing of many thousand nobles, barons, commons, by the hands of papists in arms against the law of the land, the making of England a field of blood, the obtruding of an idolatrous service book, the armies of men, by sea and land, to block up the kingdom of Scotland, are all these inconveniences only?" Lex Rex or, The Law and the Prince. Rev. Samuel Rutherford. Question XLI.
[4
Lastly, we ask our author which Church, denomination or religious organization has recognized him as a Prophet.
ibid. Contra Pelagius.
The Council of Orange. 529 A.D.
Lex Rex. 1644.
Luther, Martin. The Bondage of the Will. 1525.
ibid. Luther's Works. The Gospel of John. Saint Louis, Missouri. Concordia Publishing House. 1957.
ibid. Lectures on Romans.
The Westminister Confession of Faith. 1646.
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