For centuries, theologians have debated the issue of eternal security/assurance. According to some, you cannot lose your salvation, while others maintain that it is easy to lose it.

Here are some Scriptures discussing this topic to assist us in determining what the Bible says

• The Bible teaches us that God has elected and predestined those who would come to faith in Christ and be with Him in heaven. (Mark 13:20, Acts 13:48, Rom. 8:28-30, Eph 1:4, Col. 3:12, 1 Thess. 1:4, 2 Thess. 2:13, 2 Tim. 1:9 and 2 Tim. 2:10)
• The Bible clearly states that your salvation is forever secure in Him once you believe in Christ. (1 John 2:25, John 10:27-28, John 3:36, John 5:24, 1 John 5:13, 1 John 3:14-15, John 3:16)
• The Bible says that all who are genuinely saved have within them the power of the Holy Spirit and are kept by the power of God. (John 5:24; 6:37–40; 10:27–29; Rom. 5:9; 8:29–39; 1 Cor. 1:4–9; Eph. 4:30; Heb. 7:25; 1 Peter 1:4–5; Jude 24)

Considering these basic truths and promises, it seems impossible that a person could lose their salvation and be condemned to hell.

The following questions (answered in the following pages) can help us better understand the topic of once saved always saved:

• Why is eternal security important?
• What are the benefits of eternal security?
• Do believers have the ability to abandon their salvation?

These questions give an overarching view of the importance of having an assurance of salvation and also describe God’s promise and power in saving and preserving us.

Why is Eternal security important?

It is essential that believers have assurance of their salvation since everything in the Christian lives depends on it. The foundation of our fellowship with God is based on the assurance that He has truly redeemed us from the clutches of hell and would not forsake us.

Furthermore, since individuals cannot receive salvation after death, God would want believers to know that they are saved.

What are the benefits of eternal security?

In addition to eternal security being an essential component of the Christian faith, it is also vital for a believer’s daily walk in faith. The following are some of the benefits of eternal security;

Stability in life: Believers who have an assurance of their salvation will remain stable during difficult times, they will live with the confidence that God does not change, and therefore, His grace is sufficient in all circumstances and situations.

An effective prayer life: Believers who have an assurance of their salvation will also have a practical prayer life, knowing that they can commune with God and approach Him with their requests.

Authority over Satan: Believers can be confident that they are “Hidden with Christ” (Col. 3:3). Therefore, trust the power of the Holy Spirit to help them resist Satan and stand firm when condemned by him.

As we can see, having an assurance of a secure relationship with God enables believers to endure the struggles of living in a fallen world.

Do believers have the ability to abandon their salvation?

This question requires an examination between the interplay of God’s sovereignty and humanity’s free will. Although God is sovereign, humans have the responsibility of making their own moral decisions.

Human responsibility

From the standpoint of human responsibility, God calls all people to repent (Acts 17:30; Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Mark 6:12) and promises that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Rom. 10:13; John 3:15–16). Yet the Bible also records that salvation does not depend solely on human will.

According to Romans 9:16, salvation depends not on man’s will, desire, or work, but rather on God’s mercy. As further stated in John 1:13, the redeemed are those born not of the will of man, but of God.

Furthermore, God grants two essential components of salvation, namely repentance (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim. 2:25) and faith (Eph. 2:8–9; Phil. 1:29; Acts 16:14).

Apart from God’s working in man’s heart, the scriptures also indicate that no one would be able to approach Him, since “there is no one who seeks after God” (Rom. 3:11; cf.8:7–8; 1 Cor.2:14; 2, Cor.4:4; Eph.2:1–3).

God’s sovereignty in salvation.

Salvation is completely under God’s control. Therefore, any errant theological system that makes salvation dependent on man’s will (alone) dethrones God.

Jesus said no one could come to Him unless the Father first draws them (John 6:44, John 6:65).

Ephesians 2:1 (NKJV)

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

God’s saving work is the only thing that can bring spiritual life to unbelievers.

Oftentimes, we mistake our salvation for drowning in the ocean, and God sending a life jacket to save us. However this analogy is incorrect because God first needed to revive us as we were dead at the bottom of the ocean.

Unbelief can’t prevent God’s saving work on those He has chosen from eternity past, even if they are spiritually dead.

Furthermore, Christians find security in Christ, not in their own efforts. Instead, they persevere through God’s power.

1 Peter 1:5 (NKJV)

who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

A believer has a responsibility to trust and believe in God, and God has a responsibility to keep the believer.

As believers, we should continuously take advantage of the means of grace provided for us through the cross and the sacred scriptures and humbly submit ourselves to God’s power.

As God works within believers, they can work out their salvation (Phil. 2:12-13).