Eternal Security! What does it mean to you?

[unworthyservant]

I'd like to hear some opinions on the idea of "Eternal Security". I'm familiar with it from a Baptist and Methodist point of view but I know there are lots of varying beliefs on the subject. I am familiar with some of the verses that are the cornerstone for the basic idea, such as John 3:16, John 5:24 and John 10:28-29 to name a few. (I've recently been studying the Gospel of John which I find to be the most intriguing of the Gospels for study). I've also studied those verses people quote against the idea, such as 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, Hebrews 3:14, 2 Peter 2:20-22 and of course Matthew 24:13 where Christ says “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”. A theoretical question for those who believe in the concept. If a serial killer comes to Christ by saying the "sinners prayer" or something along those lines and is baptized (as many believe baptism is key) and the engages in another killing spree, is that person really "saved"? Let's say this time at least each time he kills he asks God for forgiveness, does that change things? There's an old story that illustrates the way many people see Christianity. It goes something like this;

"I asked God for a bike. I was disappointed when I didn't get one. Then I went to church and the pastor there told me that's not how God works, so I stole a bike and asked God for forgiveness."

So, is eternal security some get out of jail free card for sin? What do you believe?

[other one]

First we would have to come to a consensus on what security means and how it is achieved. There are a lot of people who think they have achieved it that I do not believe they have because of their fruits.   So the discussion over the past 20 or so years seams to go on and on forever and ends up that those people who so called failed, were never really saved in the first place.

My personal belief is that if a person is truly saved nothing anywhere can take them from the Father's hand.  However you can jump out...   but then again one could ask were they really there.

[Indentured Servant]

2 hours ago, unworthyservant said:

I'd like to hear some opinions on the idea of "Eternal Security".

There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
“ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
“Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

[unworthyservant]

1 hour ago, other one said:

First we would have to come to a consensus on what security means and how it is achieved. There are a lot of people who think they have achieved it that I do not believe they have because of their fruits.   So the discussion over the past 20 or so years seams to go on and on forever and ends up that those people who so called failed, were never really saved in the first place.

My personal belief is that if a person is truly saved nothing anywhere can take them from the Father's hand.  However you can jump out...   but then again one could ask were they really there.

 I know from my own research that there's no consensus on the subject. Yes, Christ told us that we could know His followers by their fruits but some who espouse "Eternal Security" believe that once one asks God to forgive them and accepts Christ as their Savior, then they are saved regardless of any lack of fruits or continued sinful behavior. They use terms like "backslidden" to explain someone who in this situation. 

[other one]

3 hours ago, unworthyservant said:

 I know from my own research that there's no consensus on the subject. Yes, Christ told us that we could know His followers by their fruits but some who espouse "Eternal Security" believe that once one asks God to forgive them and accepts Christ as their Savior, then they are saved regardless of any lack of fruits or continued sinful behavior. They use terms like "backslidden" to explain someone who in this situation. 

When one declares Jesus as their Lord, and doesn't do what he has told us to do, they made liars of themselves. If one follows what Jesus has told us to do, they will have works. That's even besides what the Holy Spirit has us doing if one is so called saved and indwelling with the Spirit.

Works do not save a person, but if they are really saved, they will have works. As far as eternal salvation goes, we've been told no one can snatch us from him, and I can not imagine anyone turning back if they have seen-heard-experienced a small part of what I have. But, I read about warnings of it so I have to believe it's possible.

[unworthyservant]

34 minutes ago, other one said:

When one declares Jesus as their Lord, and doesn't do what he has told us to do, they made liars of themselves. If one follows what Jesus has told us to do, they will have works. That's even besides what the Holy Spirit has us doing if one is so called saved and indwelling with the Spirit.

Works do not save a person, but if they are really saved, they will have works. As far as eternal salvation goes, we've been told no one can snatch us from him, and I can not imagine anyone turning back if they have seen-heard-experienced a small part of what I have. But, I read about warnings of it so I have to believe it's possible.

Now that's a concise and to the point summation of the entire question and I heartily agree. Well said.

[farouk]

30 minutes ago, unworthyservant said:

Now that's a concise and to the point summation of the entire question and I heartily agree. Well said.

Romans 8, which contains a strong sense of the believer's eternal security, mentions also that the true believer walks not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

[Indentured Servant]

Perhaps one might consider, rather than trying to define a theological term not found in Scripture, to seek Scriptural assurance of what qualifies one to be assured of eternal life.

[Cntrysner]

Signed, sealed, and delivered... I’m His.

Luk 22:20  Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 

Eph 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 

Col 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 

1Co 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 

[timf]

Eph 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Col 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: