[Biblemat] A>Once saved, always saved - Titanic consequences (Kent Heaton)

[Kent Heaton]

Once Saved, Always Saved - Titanic Consequences

(Kent Heaton)

 

The doctrine of "Once Saved, Always Saved," is held by many in the religious community as a 'wholesome doctrine.' The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 176 says, "They whom God hath accepted in His Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end and be eternally saved." The Baptist Faith and Message, a statement adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention May 9, 1963 sates: "Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the cause of Christ, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation."

The consequences of believing that when a person obeys the gospel of Christ, there is nothing the person can do to ever lose their soul is profound. This means that Satan can do nothing to cause the child of God to lose their soul. If this were true, why does Satan even bother to tempt the Christian? He knows that it is impossible for him to do anything to destroy the faith of the child of God. 

Peter warns in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." The apostle was writing to the "ELECT (emphasis mine/keh) according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied" (1 Peter 1:2). Why would Peter need to warn the "elect" to be sober or vigilant about Satan if they could never fall? How can the devil be an "adversary" of those who are once saved always saved? If the elect are eternally secure with no possibility of falling from grace, what is Satan going to "devour"? 

The consequences of this man-made doctrine is that it matters not how a person lives or acts - salvation can never be lost. Jesus said the names of God's people can be blotted out of the book of life (Revelation 3:5). A child of God can deny the faith (1 Timothy 5:8,12) The Holy Spirit said a child of God can depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). Faith can be overthrown (2 Timothy 2:18). Brethren are warned about "departing from the living God" (Hebrews 10:29). We are saved by grace but we can fall from grace: "You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace" (Galatians 5:4). A Christian can be led away with the error of the wicked (2 Peter 3:17). 

The Titanic was praised as an unsinkable ship. Its designers believe once floating always floating. It sank! Once saved always saved sails on the same course as the Titanic. "Keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered SHIPWRECK in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme" (1 Timothy 1:19-20). 

Kent Heaton

207 NE Fourth Avenue
Trenton, Florida 32693
352-463-6916/3793
www.trentonchurchofchrist.com
www.northfloridabiblecamp.com
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