Hello, truth-seekers! Today, we unravel the age-old theological enigma: “What is Eternal Security?” We will explore this profound concept through the wisdom of 12 pivotal verses from the King James Version (KJV) scriptures. So, buckle up for a journey deep into the theological realms!
Unpacking Eternal Security
Eternal Security, often referred to as “once saved, always saved,” posits that individuals who are genuinely saved cannot lose their salvation. This belief stems from scriptures, including John 10:28-29 (KJV): “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”
Jesus’ Affirmation of Eternal Security
Jesus’ own words cannot be dismissed casually when discussing Eternal Security. His assurance in John 5:24 (KJV) is unequivocal: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
The Apostolic Endorsement
The Apostles, especially Paul, affirmed Eternal Security. In Romans 8:38-39 (KJV), Paul conveys his unwavering faith in this concept: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 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.”
The Early Church’s View
The early church also embraced this belief, as the writer of Hebrews reassures in Hebrews 13:5 (KJV), “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
The Light of Good Works
Eternal Security doesn’t make good works redundant; rather, it gives them a new meaning. As the children of light, our good works reflect the glory of God. Paul affirms this in Ephesians 2:10 (KJV), “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Earning Heavenly Rewards
Endurance in good works isn’t a salvation safeguard but a way to earn rewards in heaven and a richer entrance into the kingdom. 2 Peter 1:10-11 (KJV) elaborates, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
The Crown of Righteousness
Our good works can earn us the “crown of righteousness.” This future reward is articulated by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV): “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Reigning with Christ: The Ultimate Prize
Reigning with Christ is the ultimate prize, not obtaining salvation. Paul clarifies this in 2 Timothy 2:12 (KJV): “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.” Denying us the ‘crown’ of ruling and reigning, not denying us salvation before the Father. He cannot deny Himself and His own promise in 2 Timothy 2:13, John 3:16, John 5:24, Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8,9, and many other places.
God’s Unchanging Promise
Eternal Security rests on God’s unfailing promises. Titus 1:2 (KJV) assures us of this truth: “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”
The Power of Christ
Our eternal security is not dependent on our own strength, but on the power of Christ. This is confirmed by John 6:37-40 (KJV): “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
The Nature of Salvation
Eternal Security corresponds with the view of salvation as God’s gift, not a reward for our works. This is explained in Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Sealed by the Holy Spirit
Upon salvation, believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, further asserting the concept of Eternal Security. Paul declares this in Ephesians 1:13-14 (KJV): “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.”
In navigating this riveting spiritual journey, we’ve unraveled the complex theological question: “What is Eternal Security?” We’ve dived into the depths of the KJV scriptures, unveiling the layers of this doctrine that assures believers of God’s enduring love and eternal promise. Regardless of where you stand in this debate, these scriptural insights offer a profound understanding of God’s promise of eternal salvation, underscoring the limitless bounds of His grace. Jesus Himself, and His apostles, especially Paul, in their own words, declared that salvation is permanent and that everlasting life is not temporary. This truth isn’t some new revelation brought by the Reformers, eternal security is promised in the Lord’s own words and provided and proven in His own death, burial, and resurrection. To deny this is to deny the words of the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles.
What Does Eternal Security Mean?
Eternal Security, also known as “once saved, always saved,” is a belief that once a person is truly saved, they can never lose their salvation.
Who Believes in Eternal Security?
Eternal Security is predominantly associated with certain Protestant Christian traditions, such as Calvinism and Baptist faiths. But the early church, and especially Jesus Christ and the Apostles taught eternal security if their own words are to be believed.
What Are the Arguments For Eternal Security?
Advocates argue that Eternal Security provides divine assurance of salvation and aligns with the doctrine of grace, which views salvation as an unreturnable gift from God.
What Are the Arguments Against Eternal Security?
Opponents contend that salvation is a lifelong journey that requires ongoing faith and good works. But the context of the scriptures shows that enduring good works is rewarded in heaven, and the lack of good works or impurely motivated works leads to a lack of rewards not loss of salvation. Opponents also suggest that free will allows individuals to accept or reject salvation at any point. Jesus is quite clear that salvation is instant when you believe and the story of the thief on the cross demonstrates this in spectacular fashion. Besides, this verse alone shows that salvation is guaranteed even if your life’s walk leaves alot to be desired.
How Does Eternal Security Affect Believers?
For some, Eternal Security offers comfort and confidence in God’s unwavering love. However, others worry that it could lead to spiritual complacency. It’s important to keep in mind, we are not to judge the spirituality of others but fix our own eyes on Jesus and what He has done for us and our own ongoing sanctification. The plank-in-the-eye parable applies here.
What Does the Bible Say About Eternal Security?
There are more, but here I list 15 verses that teach ‘eternal security’.
