Eternal Security! What does it mean to you?

[other one]

18 hours ago, Indentured Servant said:

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.

It is my understanding that is what faith is all about.   That pretty much needs a good understanding of the whole of scripture

[D. Adrien]

I'll jump in here, if you all don't mind.

My reading of scriptures clearly states that lawlessness will not enable the individual to proceed to the Kingdom of God. In the eternal monopoly game you will not pass death and collect eternal life.

Mat.7: 21-23 makes it very clear that Jesus doesn't have a relationship or even knowledge of those unwilling to repent of lawlessness.

Col. 1:21-23

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

No interpretation needed.

 

Edited April 5 by D. Adrien
Correction.

[Michael37]

1 hour ago, D. Adrien said:

Jesus doesn't have a relationship or even knowledge of those unwilling to repent of lawlessness.

From Vines Expository Dictionary

(b) while ginosko frequently implies an active relation between the one who "knows" and the person or thing "known" (see No. 1, above), oida expresses the fact that the object has simply come within the scope of the "knower's" perception; thus in Mat_7:23 "I never knew you" (ginosko) suggests "I have never been in approving connection with you," whereas in Mat_25:12, "I know you not" (oida) suggests "you stand in no relation to Me."

[warrior12]

Add this to your opening post. It may cause one to ponder upon his salvation.

Hebrews 6:

⁴ It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵ who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age ⁶ and who have fallen^[c] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. ⁷

 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. ⁸ But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.

[Vine Abider]

On 4/4/2025 at 11:29 AM, unworthyservant said:

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

From my reading, salvation has three parts: Initial salvation when we are born-again of the Spirit of God, making us His children; secondly there's the sanctification part where we are being saved throughout our life here; and last there's the redemption of our body.

The first (our spirit) and the last (our flesh) aspect of salvation happens instantly . . . the middle aspect (our soul) takes longer. It's this middle part that requires our cooperation - letting Him transform us (or not).

Eternal security comes from being born-again with the eternal life of God coming into us, making us His eternal children.  As His children, we are secure in that our Father loves us and His Spirit and ours are joined (1 Cor 6:17).  However, we may receive serious discipline and chastening (but not death) for not cooperating with Him. (but even this is done in love in order to develop us fully as mature sons of God)

[Michael37]

On 4/5/2025 at 7:29 AM, unworthyservant said:

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?

I like to ask whether one consistently lays their upsetting sins aside, and whether they are patiently heading for complete perfection, and whether they believe Christ is the Author and Finisher of their faith.

Heb 12:1-4  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  (2)  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  (3)  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.  (4)  You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

[chirpy]

Faith - hope - love - the greatest of these is love.

The commandment to Love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, and mind.

Words are just words.... but salvation is a change of heart- repentance.  Our works, our talk, our hope, are nothing if we do not love the Lord.  As Jesus said to Peter ---- but Peter do you Love me?   It applies to us.

Love for the Lord results in confidence in our standing with the Lord because we experience His love.

[unworthyservant]

15 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

From my reading, salvation has three parts: Initial salvation when we are born-again of the Spirit of God, making us His children; secondly there's the sanctification part where we are being saved throughout our life here; and last there's the redemption of our body.

The first (our spirit) and the last (our flesh) aspect of salvation happens instantly . . . the middle aspect (our soul) takes longer. It's this middle part that requires our cooperation - letting Him transform us (or not).

Eternal security comes from being born-again with the eternal life of God coming into us, making us His eternal children.  As His children, we are secure in that our Father loves us and His Spirit and ours are joined (1 Cor 6:17).  However, we may receive serious discipline and chastening (but not death) for not cooperating with Him. (but even this is done in love in order to develop us fully as mature sons of God)

An interesting theory. I don't really recognize anything here as the same theory of "Eternal Security" with which I opened the discussion but an interesting take on the matter, nonetheless.

[Vine Abider]

2 minutes ago, unworthyservant said:

An interesting theory. I don't really recognize anything here as the same theory of "Eternal Security" with which I opened the discussion but an interesting take on the matter, nonetheless.

The last paragraph gives the reason we are secure - we are made eternal children of God through rebirth with His eternal life in us. Children are secure in Father's love - He will discipline and chasten us, but not kill us.

[unworthyservant]

16 minutes ago, Vine Abider said:

The last paragraph gives the reason we are secure - we are made eternal children of God through rebirth with His eternal life in us. Children are secure in Father's love - He will discipline and chasten us, but not kill us.

The tenant of "Eternal Security" to which I refer is the idea that the only thing required to obtain eternal security is a simple confession of faith that may or may not be manifested in our lives or our works.