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Sovereignty and 'Once Saved Always Saved'

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The doctrine known as Once Saved, Always Saved teaches that once a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior, his salvation is secured because it is impossible for God to fail in what He sets out to do. This method of thinking asserts that once one is truly saved, he is saved forever. However, if it is possible for a person to fail to enter God's kingdom, it is not God who has failed. The doctrine generally operates on the belief that God's sole purpose is to save people, overlooking other aspects of His purpose, such as the ongoing nature of His creation and the importance of free moral agency. Those who believe in this doctrine do not fully understand the responsibilities to God and man, nor the aspects of His mercy, love, and justice in governing His creation. It would not be merciful love to allow a rebel to continue in misery, causing problems for others forever.

Do We Have 'Eternal Security'?

'Ready Answer' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The idea of eternal security, often termed "once saved, always saved," is foreign to the Bible. It is puzzling how such a doctrine could develop when the Bible repeatedly comments, warns, and advises that we can lose it all through sin. Certain portions of Paul's writings, like Romans 2:1-16, are uncomfortable for those who hold this view, as they expound upon the judgment of God and emphasize that the doers of the law will be justified. Failure to keep God's law is sin, and those who sin will be judged by the law, facing the wages of sin, which is death. Jesus Himself warns that unless we repent, we will perish. For those who believe in eternal security, II Peter 1:10-11 delivers a significant challenge by exposing the falsehood in this teaching. It states a simple command to validate our calling and election by producing fruit. We live in spiritually dangerous times, and the way to stay on course is to keep on growing. If we grow, our salvation is assured, as God is faithful and has promised us salvation if we remain faithful. Jesus Christ earnestly desires to present us holy, blameless, and irreproachable to the Father in His Kingdom, but we must uphold our part of the covenant. We must continue in the faith, remain grounded and steadfast, keep on growing, and hold fast to the hope of our resurrection and eternal life. We must not take God's salvation for granted, assuming eternal security without obedience to God's way of life, but instead strive to make our calling and election sure.

Part of the Plan

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

Many believe that salvation is assured and works only relate to reward. However, God did not reward the unprofitable servant with eternal life but exclusion.

Ensuring Our Calling

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The doctrine of Eternal Security, often referred to as "Once Saved, Always Saved," is a foundational belief in Protestantism, asserting that once a person accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, their salvation is assured regardless of subsequent actions. This concept suggests that God is bound to grant them eternal security under His grace, no matter what occurs afterward. However, this idea is viewed as deceptive and contrary to the truth revealed by God. It is seen as a lie akin to the Immortal Soul Doctrine, propagated by the devil since the Garden of Eden, implying that God's threat of death for sin cannot be enforced. This belief in eternal security is challenged by the understanding that God's grace does not perpetually cover unrepentant sin. Just as a criminal absolved of one crime can still be guilty of future offenses, a person who continues in sin risks losing the promised salvation by defying God's will. Scriptures emphasize that willful sin, done in rebellion against God, nullifies the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, bringing judgment upon the sinner. God, being pure and holy, will not accept those who persist in sin, expecting them to approach Him with an attitude of guaranteed security. The Bible repeatedly warns against the notion of eternal security, indicating that salvation can be lost if one does not remain diligent. In II Peter 1:10-11, believers are urged to make their calling and election sure through diligent effort, with the consequence of stumbling and missing entrance into the Kingdom of God if they fail to do so. This command reflects the necessity of ongoing action on the part of believers, as God has already provided His calling, election, Holy Spirit, repentance, forgiveness, truth, and grace. Without reciprocal effort, one can fall away. The urgency to counter false teachings and apostasy, as seen in the early church, underscores the rejection of eternal security. False teachers, influenced by the devil, aim to lead believers astray, which would be pointless if salvation were irrevocably secured. Peter's writings, intended for all true Christians across time, stress the importance of safeguarding against deception by continuously validating one's calling through bearing fruit and growing in faith. Jesus Christ Himself taught that failing to bear fruit results in being cut off, reinforcing that abiding in Him is essential to avoid judgment. Ultimately, the path to ensuring salvation lies in persistent growth, holy conduct, and godliness, as God is faithful and longsuffering, desiring none to perish. However, there is a limit to His patience, and judgment awaits those who do not meet His standard. By diligently adding to their faith and producing fruit, believers can validate their calling and election, ensuring they remain on the right path and avoid falling into deception or sin that could lead to the loss of salvation.

God's Workmanship (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God assumes the burden for our salvation, but we are obligated to yield to His workmanship—made manifest by good works, the effect of salvation.

Living By Faith and God's Grace

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God gives grace from start to finish in a person's relationship with Him. It cannot be limited merely to justification and His forgiveness of our sins.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

A summary of the Covenants, Grace, and Law series, reiterating the differences in the Covenants and the respective places of grace and law in God's purpose.

Eternal Security (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Some of the harshest criticism we receive is for our position opposing the doctrine of eternal security and stating that works are required for salvation.

The Elements of Motivation (Part Three): Hope

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Hope conveys the idea of absolute certainty of future good, and that is exactly what the Bible tells us we have upon our calling and acceptance of God's way.

A Feast Message From Hebrews

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Bible shows a clear pattern of how people leave the faith: looking back, drawing back, looking elsewhere, and then going backward and refusing to hear.

Approaching God Through Christ (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Religious bumper stickers fall short of revealing the full counsel of God, which is more complex than 'believe on the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved.'

Thy Kingdom Come! (Part Two)

'Prophecy Watch' by Staff

This age will end to be succeeded by the glorious reign of Christ. God's Kingdom will come, whether or not we as individuals inherit it when the time comes.

Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's grace supports and fulfills us, but it does not mean 'once saved,always saved.' It is possible to fall from grace, as Israel's experience demonstrates.

Hebrews (Part Twelve): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

To counteract complacency, Hebrews warns against neglecting God's invitation of salvation, which He does not guarantee until sanctification has run its course.

Colossian Law-Keeping

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Nominal Christendom cannot see God's law even though it is in plain sight. In Colossians, Paul reiterates or alludes to all but one of the Ten Commandments.

The Christian Fight (Part Five)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The faithful life and work of Noah illustrates that after justification, walking by faith with God is a practical responsibility.

Choosing the New Man (Part One)

Article by Charles Whitaker

The Bible describes many men, but one of the most important is the new man, a creative effort of renewing our minds in cooperation with God.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The yoke of bondage Paul refers to in Galatians was a combination of the code of regulations added by the Pharisees and Gnostic ritualism, not God's Law.

Do You Recognize This Man? (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Would we recognize Jesus Christ based on a description? Just about everybody with whom He came into contact misunderstood Him, including His own disciples.

God's Power: Our Shield Against Apostasy

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God is not only powerful, but He is the source of all power. We can tap into God's power to avoid slipping into apostasy.

The Christian Paradox (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Salvation is not merely self-identifying oneself as a saint, but it involves rigorously working with God in an arduous process of transformation.

Elements of Motivation (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the familiar triumvirate (faith, hope, and love), faith serves as the foundation, love serves as the goal, and hope serves as the great motivator.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Sixteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Righteousness consists of applying the Law's letter and/or intent. Sin constitutes a failure of living up to the standards of what God defines as right.

Hebrews (Part Eleven): A Simple Recap

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Most of the attrition from the truth stems from losing interest. Drifting away is rarely intentional, but the result of choosing to live carnally.

The Colossian Heresy and Laodiceanism

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Colossae and Laodicea were susceptible to fast-talking teachers, whose plausible words eroded the true Gospel in favor of pagan thought and practice.

Themes of I Corinthians (Part 4)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While most understand the sacrificial theme of Passover, they fail to grasp actively overcoming sin, largely because of the concept of 'free' grace.

Choosing the New Man (Part Two)

Article by Charles Whitaker

The spiritual new man is one who is reconciled to God and has chosen to collaborate with Him in creating a totally new mind—one just like Christ's!