By the Book
Registered
I've found some older threads on this topic and would like to start a new discussion.
I've gone back and forth on the issue of eternal security over the years. I'm not a pastor or theologian and am not coherent in the original languages; however, I have studied the works of many of the greats that have come before me. What I write here will be the result of my studies.
To kick things off, I will present a section of Scripture that is frequently cited, with the expectation that more will be brought up along the way.
Colossians 1:21-23 (NKJV)
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
There are some who see this as a condition—that is, we must continue to will ourselves to exercise faith. Others, like myself, see this as a statement of fact. In Koine Greek, "if" is frequently used as a first-class conditional clause, which assumes the condition is true for the sake of argument, functioning more like "since." It functions similarly to saying, "If 2 divides evenly into 4, then 4 is an even number." In this context, "if" does not imply uncertainty but rather establishes a known factual relationship.
I'm also of the opinion that the many verses that suggest salvation can be forfeited are rather ambiguous.
2 Peter 2:1 (NKJV)
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
All verses in the Bible that are specifically discussing the atonement usually mention the price (His blood) of what is bought. Peter seemingly makes a passing remark in the middle of an entirely different subject. We also don't know if "The Master" is referring to the Son or the Father. It's possible that he is making reference to the Old Testament.
Deuteronomy 32:6 (NKJV)
Do you thus deal with the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, who bought you? Has He not made you and established you?
I believe it is unwise to create a doctrine by interpreting certain texts in ways that may not be intended. Instead, we should allow the more straightforward and clear texts about eternal security to remain authoritative. If indeed we continue in the faith, it is because God is the one keeping us from stumbling.
Jude 1:24-25 (NKJV)
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that whatever side of the fence you land on, the doctrine of eternal security is not an essential issue that should divide the Kingdom.
I've gone back and forth on the issue of eternal security over the years. I'm not a pastor or theologian and am not coherent in the original languages; however, I have studied the works of many of the greats that have come before me. What I write here will be the result of my studies.
To kick things off, I will present a section of Scripture that is frequently cited, with the expectation that more will be brought up along the way.
Colossians 1:21-23 (NKJV)
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
There are some who see this as a condition—that is, we must continue to will ourselves to exercise faith. Others, like myself, see this as a statement of fact. In Koine Greek, "if" is frequently used as a first-class conditional clause, which assumes the condition is true for the sake of argument, functioning more like "since." It functions similarly to saying, "If 2 divides evenly into 4, then 4 is an even number." In this context, "if" does not imply uncertainty but rather establishes a known factual relationship.
I'm also of the opinion that the many verses that suggest salvation can be forfeited are rather ambiguous.
2 Peter 2:1 (NKJV)
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
All verses in the Bible that are specifically discussing the atonement usually mention the price (His blood) of what is bought. Peter seemingly makes a passing remark in the middle of an entirely different subject. We also don't know if "The Master" is referring to the Son or the Father. It's possible that he is making reference to the Old Testament.
Deuteronomy 32:6 (NKJV)
Do you thus deal with the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, who bought you? Has He not made you and established you?
I believe it is unwise to create a doctrine by interpreting certain texts in ways that may not be intended. Instead, we should allow the more straightforward and clear texts about eternal security to remain authoritative. If indeed we continue in the faith, it is because God is the one keeping us from stumbling.
Jude 1:24-25 (NKJV)
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that whatever side of the fence you land on, the doctrine of eternal security is not an essential issue that should divide the Kingdom.
