People often ask me if I believe in “Once Saved, Always Saved.” They want to know if “Once Saved, Always Saved”is biblical.
I say “No, but I do believe in eternal security.” Once Saved, always Saved is not biblical, but eternal security is biblical.
Is that confusing? Well, let me explain…
Eternal Security and Once Saved, Always Saved
Most people think that eternal security and “Once Saved, Always Saved” are the same thing. They are not. To see this, let us begin with a basic definition of each.
Eternal Security is the belief that once a person has eternal life, they have it forever, no matter what.
Once Saved, Always Saved is the belief that once a person has salvation, they have it forever, no matter what.
Do you see the difference? The only difference between the two definitions is that the first talks about eternal life while the second talks about salvation. Since many Christians think that these two terms are synonymous, they don’t really see much of a difference between eternal security and “once saved, always saved.”
The problem, however, is with the word “salvation” itself.
The Word “Salvation”
As I point out in my online course, The Gospel Dictionary, the word “salvation” very rarely (if ever) is exactly equivalent in Scripture to the term “eternal life.”
The salvation word family (save, saved, salvation, etc.) means “deliverance” and the context determines what kind of deliverance is in view. Deliverance can be from sickness, premature death, enemies, demons, disappointment from God, and a wide variety of other negative experiences (cf. Matt 8:25; 9:22; Mark 5:34; 13:20; Luke 8:48; 23:35; John 12:27; 1 Tim 2:15; 2 Tim 4:18; Jas 5:15; Jude 5).
As such, most forms of “salvation” in the Bible have various conditions attached to them. If a person does not fulfill these conditions, they will not be delivered (or saved) from the negative consequences that follow.
Yet while failing to fulfill the conditions for salvation from sickness, enemies, or premature death might result in experiencing these bad events in life, such things have nothing whatsoever to do with a person’s eternal destiny or their possession of eternal life.
What this means is that as long as the word “saved” is incorrectly equated with eternal life, the concept of “once saved, always saved” can easily be refuted by pointing out the many places in the Bible where people can lose their “salvation” because they don’t obey God or fulfill the conditions of “salvation.”
But once we understand that the salvation word family almost never (if ever) refers to eternal life, the numerous passages that show various conditions for salvation gain theological clarity.
Let us consider a few examples.
James 1:21 and Once Saved, Always Saved
According to James 1:21, people can save their souls by laying aside filthiness and wickedness, and receiving with meekness the implanted word.
If we think that the word “save” in James 1:21 means receiving eternal life, then James 1:21 is teaching that in order to receive and keep eternal life, we must get rid of sin and build our lives upon Scripture. If we do not get rid of sin and if we fail to follow Scripture, then we will not save our souls. In this understanding, there can be no such thing as eternal security.
When, however, we understand that the word “save” means “deliver” and we also recognize that the word “soul” does not refer to the eternal aspect of a person but rather to the life-giving principle within a person, the phrase “save the soul” is best understood as “deliver the life” from premature death (cf. Jas 5:20). This idea fits best in the context as well, where James calls his readers to get rid of sin and become doers of the word rather than hearers only (Jas 1:21-22).
The way to avoid the damaging and destructive consequences of sin in the life of the believer is simply to avoid sin and follow the teachings of Scripture. If you do this, you will deliver your life from the destruction of sin and a premature physical death.
1 Peter 3:21 and Once Saved, Always Saved
Another example is found in 1 Peter 3:21. Here we learn that baptism saves us. So if we think that “saves us” means we receive eternal life, then the clear conclusion is that baptism is a requirement for gaining or keeping our eternal life. If we do not get baptized, then we do not have eternal life.
It is much better, however, to recognize that the word “save” means deliver, and so when Peter writes that baptism saves us, he is saying that baptism delivers us. What does it deliver us from? In the context, Noah and his family were “saved through water” (3:20), which does not mean that the ark gave them eternal life, but that they did not drown in the flood and were delivered from the wickedness and rebellious ways of the people who lived at the time of the flood.
Peter says the same thing can happen to us today (4:3-4) if we live in light of the resurrection. Is Peter telling us how to receive eternal life? No, he is inviting us to avoid the flood of sin and death that comes from lewdness, lust, drunken revelries, and abominable idolatries. Such sins drown out our lives, and we can avoid drowning in sin by recognizing that through baptism (outer water baptism represents the inner reality of Spirit baptism) we have died to sin in Jesus Christ.
Baptism reminds us that we are not slaves to sin but can live free from it. Living this way does not help us earn or keep our eternal life, but it does help us escape the pain and suffering caused by sin.
1 Timothy 4:16 and Once Saved, Always Saved
Then there is 1 Timothy 4:16. According to this text, our salvation is dependent upon how we live our lives and what sort of doctrine we teach and believe. If we fail to take heed of our lives and our doctrine, then we will not be saved.
If the word “saved” refers to eternal life, then Paul is telling Timothy that in order to receive eternal life, he needs to have Godly behavior and beliefs. In other words, keeping eternal life depends on living the right way and believing all the right things. What a scary thought!
If, however, we look in the context, we see a different truth emerge. Paul knows that Timothy feels inadequate to be an elder in the church at Ephesus because he is so young. Paul says that Timothy’s age will not matter if Timothy can give an example to the other Christians in proper behavior and conduct (4:12). If Timothy watches his life and doctrine closely, he will be saved (delivered) from people looking down on him or ignoring him because of his youthfulness.
Salvation is Conditional Upon Good Works. Eternal life is Not.
All of these texts, and numerous others in Scripture, clearly reveal that salvation is conditional upon how we live our lives and what we believe. So if we think that the word “salvation” refers to “eternal life,” then the clear teaching of Scripture is that receiving and keeping eternal life is conditional about believing the right things and behaving in the right way. This is why I say that “once saved, always saved” is not a biblical teaching.
However, eternal security is biblical.
Once we come to understand that the salvation word family almost never (if ever) explicitly refers to eternal life but instead refers to some sort of deliverance from the calamities of life such as danger, suffering, sickness, and premature death, or to some sort of negative experience at the Judgment Seat of Christ, we can readily teach along with Scripture that salvation is conditional upon what we believe and how we behave.
This does not mean, however, that eternal security is also false. Quite to the contrary, there are numerous reasons to believe and teach the biblical truth of eternal security, all of which I cover in my online course.
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The whole “once saved, always saved” bit felt a little like stalker material. We couldn’t choose.
Stalker material? What is that?
I have been on the other end of a stalker who said, “I’ll never stop loving you and I will never leave you. You’ll never find another one like me.” Creepy on a good day.
I see. I am sorry that happened to you. … But God does leave us alone. No restraining order nec.
what’s the difference besides changing the meanings? osas says you’re saved no matter what you do and go to heaven which is eternal security right?
Well written. Acts 16:31 might take exception but all in all clear thinking
Good stuff. When we read scripture, are the words trying to convey a doctrine? Unfortunately many of the scribes of the Bible communicate it that way; and many interpret it that way. But most of the writings of the New Testament were using words to communicate what they felt (security) “through the tender mercy of our God,” Lu.1.78 Too bad we so often view His love through the lens of theological systems; when in reality God simply loves us so much. When we love Him back the relationship becomes symbiotic, just as any relationship does.
Excellent teaching Jeremy. It debunks a lot of stuff thrown my way over many years about the meaning of saved and salvation. Nearly all of it was you could loose external life, loose your salvation. Shame its not taught in many places. If it was it would spare a lot of people loads of doubt and insecurity.
Excellent post.
If “churches” teach what scripture say (as per your post), they would be empty. They have to teach the scare tactics about works (not GRACE) to keep the sheep cowering in the pen.
“Churches” dare not teach the wonderful truths about charizomai and aphesis forgiveness, lest their businesses collapse.
Thanks for this eye-opening post, Jeremy.
‘If “churches” teach what scripture say’.
All churches use the Bible to teach their version of what Scripture says. This is not directed against the sincere motives of this author but anyone can make the Bible say anything they want it to say and make it sound logical and true. Some to the point of drinking deadly kool aid.
I assure you it is quite the opposite. I would love to find a church that taught you CAN lose your salvation because the Bible clearly states that you CAN. The big modern churches all believe you cannot lose your salvation and they are all wrong.
Jeremy,
I did a “salvation” word search and it is astonishing how consistently that what you are saying is true in context. It’s very refreshing – thanks!
The one reference that didn’t work for me was 2 Timothy 2:10 (NIV) “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”
Is Paul saying that in addition to “salvation” (in the temporal sense that comes with reconciliation with God in this life) Jesus offers something more that is eternal?
Al, good observation.
I think the salvation that is referred to here (2 Tim 2:10) is the here and now salvation which we can enjoy in this life – the Christ life – the abundant life.
This comes as a result of accepting Christ’s aphesis “forgiveness”.
Yes he does. There’s more to salvation than people think. There’s the physical factor and then the eternal spiritual factor
Jeremy, I previously asked you…. How can someone “believe in Jesus for eternal life” and not “believe Jesus”?
Your response was…. as for your last questions, of course believing in Jesus for eternal life is the same as believing Jesus. He promises eternal life to those who believe in Him for it, so if you believe what Jesus says, then you believe in Him and you believe what He says, and therefore, you believe Him. It’s all the same.
OK, In your post, you tell what you believe and you quoted verses from James, Peter, & Paul……. But since you believe Jesus, let me ask What did Jesus say about “eternal security” and “Once Saved, Always Saved”?
Interesting article Jeremy. σωτηρία indeed means more than eternal life. Paul has been saved, is being saved and will be saved in his letters. I am not yet sure if eternal life is separate from salvation, but while I believe that “once receiving eternal life, always receiving eternal life” is not theoretically true, I do believe that it is virtually impossible to lose eternal life once you have received the Holy Spirit by believing in Christ. I do believe the Holy Spirit is a stalker, like a persistent lawyer won’t quit trying to give an inheritor their billion dollar inheritance. Thank God – I was stalked and God used some serious methods to bring me back to God.
Jeremy,
I’ve felt recently that the term “salvation” was an inadequate way to describe what we receive from Jesus, but I couldn’t articulate what salvation meant. Your explanation makes a lot of sense. I’d never heard this issue explained this way before, and I appreciate the distinction you made between the terms. It opens up a whole new level of understanding and clarity about how the New Testament authors approached the human condition.
Thanks. Yes, this one truth has really helped me over the years in explaining a lot of difficult texts from the Bible. I think you will have much fruitful study from this as you go forward.
Jeremy,
This is a captivating thought/teaching. I’ve always been taught that Salvation meant both….sometimes it meant eternal life, and other times it meant something similar to what you are describing, but with a focus on sanctification. That is, I was taught it was defined as an ongoing process….and a completed act, and the context would make this clear. But I am intrigued by what you presented here. How can I know you are right about this? Have you written anything else(either similar posts, or books) that explores this concept further? If not, has anyone written on this topic? I’ve read books on eternal security, I’m not talking about that, but rather, I’m talking about your definition of ‘saved’ as deliverance. Any other material that explores this?
Thanks.
I have believed this most of my adult life. I listened to a pastor in Columbus Ohio for over 30 years who taught the difference between redemption and salvation. I find very few see the difference and it really opens up the scripture.
Hm. I think salvation could still be eternal life. I don’t think the requirement that works leads to Salvation. Grace through faith alone….but the outcome of faith is works and the removal of sin through Christ.
Maybe I am missing something but we miss the grand intent of God to truly Dave the world from wrath out of love if we make salvation mean something else.
The impetus to share the word which is what brings people to the saving faith finishes if it’s just to have a better life here.
I’m new to your website. Found you when I was searching for a study based on the Sword of the Spirit (logos vs Rhema). I am absolutely confident in my eternal security because of what Jesus did for me on the cross. I understand what you were saying about salvation as in deliverance from situations…I agree. What I am having a hard time understanding is that on a topic with such eternal importance, why you would ask the reader to purchase the information re: eternal security. Like I said, I’m a very new to your site and not familiar with what you offer free vs what you charge. Maybe you have this topic offered free somewhere that teaches both sides of the spectrum. What I see in this article is that the reader is left hanging. Someone desperately searching for answers on this topic would be left scared to death, but they can purchase the answer. I’m sure you know that and you pray that it would encourage the reader to dig into scripture and search the answers for themselves. I guess I was just confused b/c you seem to be so against the church using scripture for monetary gain. I realize that this is your livelihood, but at the same time with a topic of such gravity…why now? I hope I’m wrong and I hope that maybe I’m missing something. I can see that your heart seems to be in the right place and I was challenged by some of the ways you think differently than me. It’s like you play devil’s advocate at times to challenge the mainstream. Please redirect me if my assumptions are false.
Quote:
This does not mean, however, that eternal security is also false. Quite to the contrary, there are numerous reasons to believe and teach the biblical truth of eternal security, all of which I cover in my online course.
1 John 5:13
King James Bible
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
THAT YOU MAY KNOW THAT YOU HAVE ***** ETERNAL LIFE ******
Nice try. The bible is clear. ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED WHEN SAVED. (caps for empasis)
Did you even read the article?
If that was the only verse on the topic I would agree, but you must read ALL of scripture. There are many more scriptures that warn against falling away and receiving eternal damnation. People like to have their ears tickled.
As a former Baptist, I find this article extremely intriguing and extremely confusing at the same time 🙂 I can understand enough to conclude that I do not agree with the author’s take on this topic but I would like to understand the concept better as I attempt to understand my own previous Baptist faith. I almost get a headache trying to wrap my mind around the author’s logic 🙂 but I do find it fascinating how different Christians come to different conclusion.
To be fair to the author, I have heard and concur with the idea that salvation can be viewed in temporal terms but I believe it can also be viewed in eternal terms. One person can ‘save’ another person temporally from death in battle. One person can also help ‘save’ another person’s soul eternally by preaching the Word. The part I take issue with is the attempt to separate ‘eternal’ security or life from ‘eternal’ salvation and just how good works relate. See Romans 2:6-7 that reads:
“God will repay each person according to ‘what they have done’.” To those who by persistence in ‘doing good’ seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give ‘eternal life’.
God’s blessing
I think one of the issues for me in this article is the use of ‘eternal security’. I’m not sure if it would help but maybe it would make more sense to me if the phrase used was ‘eternal life’. Eternal security just sounds like another phrase for ‘once saved always saved’. The only difference is semantics and word play. Sincerely.
Where today is the Resurrection Power of the Holy Spirit that Lord Jesus gives so believers will not choose to still sin by their flesh?
Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins hath not seen him, neither known him.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remain in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother. (1 John 3:6; 9-10)
If we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:26-27)
If you are implying that the person who is *truly* saved will never sin again, then no one can be *truly* saved.
1 John 2:1 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous…”
John says “these things”. What things? The admonitions not to continue a pattern of sin. The believer will occasionally fall. We all possess an imperfect nature. Something imperfect CANNOT produce something perfect. In other words, sinfulness cannot render sinlessness.
We will not render perfect obedience until the resurrection/translation takes place; when our sinfulness is removed and replaced with the righteousness of Christ.
We will go from possessing the imputed righteousness of Jesus to possessing His imparted righteousness.
See Zechariah 3:1-5 (keep in mind that Joshua is representing God’s people)
I can hardly wait!
1. God is infallible. 2. Mankind is fallible.
Mankind born into sin, according to scripture, has been seperated from God, and yet through Gods plan of Salvation; Death, and Ressurection of His Son upon the cross, gives [Hope] of [Eternal life] through [Salvation]. <- in conjunction with each other, not a seperate issue.
There IS hope, Conditionally upon the act of [Belief/Faith].
For God so loved the world.
Because He loved, He desired as He did from the begining, relationship (a two way Street)= free will. The downside of free will (freely choosing Him- rather than being forced ) is, if we choose against His hope for us- to be with Him Eternally, there will be an eternal outcome in where one chooses to be for Eternity. Mankind [Chooses] Heaven or Hell. The action of God; He gave us the best of what He had to offer- His Son who,
a.) Taught how to live. (33 years).
b.) Died-to symbolize all will die a physical death.
All will die in seperation of God for eternity.
Sin is the causation leading to seperation.
c.) Death also represents He willingly took our sin, our penalty of death and seperation upon Himself and paid with His life, and in return [offered] life eternally with Him through Salvation;→ mankind still is obligated upon an action of accepting or recieving this gift.
[Belief in acceptance or Belief in rejection] is the Key. God will not usurp a promise to mankind that had no pre-requisites (if) attatched to it. God gave free will period. However that free will equates to Choose Me and be with Me forever. Reject me and be Seperated forever.
The idea of predestined correlates with His Soverenity of already knowing who will / will not.
Many unfortunately stop here at belief and call it saved for Eternity. However as scripture shows- Even the Enemy believes and trembles, yet he is eternally Seperated.
Belief + Repent + Accept = Eternal Salvation.
Yes the gift offered is free. The Belief, Repent, Accept is not payment (as Christ was the atonement for sin ), but is the act of recieving this gift. So yet it is not "Our" paying for Salvation – but the condition of recieving it.
Dad paid for a birthday present and offered it to his son/daughter. That son/daughter isn’t required to pay for it – but 1. believes it is for him/her from Dad. 2. Accepts or rejects the gift. 3. If accepting the gift will (Care) for this gift. Won't intentionally be careless, destructive, etc. but may mess up and realize through his own observation, the reminder from someone else, or Dad himself and repent for, if had been careless…etc. 4. Dad forgives.
5. If the son/daughter continues to be careless, destructive and reject the gift indefinately. Dad takes that gift from them and holds onto it. Anytime that son/daughter decides to sincerely choose to accept it and the father see's their sincerity- may freely continue to offer it. [We however, should not intentionally sin that Gods grace may abound.]
God in His Soverenety knows if they will /won't (predestined to) accept or reject Him. To All He offers and yet will not Force. To those who won't repent He Will remove His spirit (the prompting of the Holy Spirit who opens blind eyes to see guides/guards/ directs /convicts/draws/ helps, but will not FORCE His will.) from them, and turn them over to their reprobate, mind to walk blindly.
We can not understand the Soverenty of God, but can through faith accept His will. My Ways are not your Ways, My thoughts are not your thoughts. Therefore We must daily renew our thoughts to be in line with Him through faith.
A.) We do have Gods promise of [Free will/Choice].
B.) We do have Gods promise of [Hope].
We do have Gods promise of [His Love].
We do have Gods promise of [His Eternal Salvation].
B.) [IF] We choose to believe.
[IF] We choose to repent.
[IF] We choose to accept.
✓ Salvation.
✓ Eternity with Him.
The concept of who will gain eternity with Him or without Him aside from ourselves, goes beyond mankinds limited understanding. Only God and YOU, will know within your heart the truth and outcome of YOUR Eternal Destination.
This is why the concept of, [Personal] belief, repentance, acceptance, salvation, relationship, is known via the Holy Spirit who opens ones eyes, Speaks to ones heart will see and know and be assured one way or the other.
Can someone once saved turn away from God? Only through whom is Soverign and able to know whom He has predestined will be with Him is able to know the final destination of each one. Sovereign God Almighty.
To those whom believe, repent, accept, Yes CAN be assured of their Eternal Salvation.
John 3:16 = Eternal and Salvation = Conjunction.
For God so loved the world.
That He gave His only beloved Son.
That whoever believes in Him,
WILL HAVE ETERNAL SALVATION.
Saved from Eternal Seperation.
Those whom believe in Him Will through the sanctification process of life: Repent, Accept His truth, His ways, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit will desire to live according to Gods teaching- through His word guided again, by His Spirit whom convicts, reminds, disciples, disciplines, directs, holds accountable-Justice. Sanctification, mankinds Journey toward Eternity through Salvation can be with their Creator of all things. To God be the glory-
How do we pray for the lost if God already predestined each ones outcome? Pray; ultimately for His will to be done. One day we will know in absolute, to those whom we will spend in Eternity with Him. Many things we will know now, and many things we will know then. This however is the discrestion and decision of God Himself, that which He wishes us to know- we will. That which He doesn't- we won't.
May we never forget the essentials in unity, non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity.
Jesus Christ never said “Eternal Salvation” in John 3 He stated, “ETERNAL LIFE”.
the author of this article really made me upset when I first started reading, but then I started to understand what he was saying as it is extremely articulate and CLEAR, but what you wrote and believe is Extremely convoluted and makes no sense so that not “even a little child can believe”.
I hear many christians attacking eachother over this its pretty sad stuff . But I’m glad this article suggests a clear distinction between the two. Both salvation and eternal life not being the same. Can I also add that we are still in a fallen body (flesh) even though believers have salvation so that is why we can still be tempted to sin and even fall. Our goal would be to receive new bodies that are incorruptible so this is what the race is implying that we finish it strong.
Oh my this is a catastrophe. You should check out a website I found gracecoach.org who can explain salvation, eternal security, sealed with the Spirit, the new covenant etc to you. check out all these verses that tell us once we are saved we are saved forever and that INCLUDES eternal security.
Romans 8:28-29 “Nothing will separate you from the love of God”
Hebrews 6:18 “it is impossible for God to lie”
Hebrews 7:25 “he is able to save completely”
Hebrews 13:5 “never will I leave you or forsake you”
Ephesians 1:13-14 “having believed you were sealed”
Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved” (Past tense)
John 3:16 “you have eternal life and will not perish”
John 5:24 “you have crossed over from death to life and will not be judged”
John 6:37-40 “whoever comes to me I will never drive away, I shall lose none of them.”
John 10:28 “No one can snatch them out of my hand”
John 10:29 “No one can snatch them out of my fathers hand”
John 11:25-26 “Who ever believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
1 Peter 1:4-5 “we have an inheritance which can never perish, spoil or fade.”
2 Timothy 2:13 “if we are faithless, he will remain faithful”
Titus 1:2 “God does not lie…”
Romans 8:35-39 “nothing can separate us from the love of God”
Romans 11:29 “….for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable”