Why am I writing this?
I’ve heard a few arguments that we can lose our salvation, even after having the Holy Spirit given to us by God. From what I see in scripture, there are an abundance of verses that support eternal security; I want to collect those verses in one document. I also want to address the verses I’ve heard that are used against this position and reconcile them, as my goal is to have the Biblical perspective on this topic.
Note: this is a living document and will update as I hear more objections and look into verses deeper. This is why the “Last updated” text exists, to help notify if things have changed.
Verses Supporting This View
The following verses (ESV, words of Christ in red) say that once we are saved, we cannot loose that gift:
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
Numbers 23:19
- Old Testament example, but rhymes with verses like Romans 11:28-31, Titus 1:1-3 and Hebrews 10:23
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
John 6:37-40
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
John 10:27-29
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:16-17
- Context:
- Romans 8:9-15 - You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
- Romans 8:22-25 - For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
- This is the clarification on what “provided we suffer with him” means, suffering until the redemption of our bodies (resurrection), which have been made dead because of sin.
- Romans 8:9-15 - You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
- Context:
- Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
- Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
- “Nor anything else in all creation,” is the believer not included here? If you’re a part of creation, then you cannot be separated according to this verse.
As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy.
Romans 11:28-31
- Included context here to show that the “gifts and the calling” is talking about salvation.
so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:7-8
And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
2 Corinthians 5:1-5
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:12-14
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;
Titus 1:1-3
And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,”
then he adds,
“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Hebrews 10:11-18
- The Greek word for all time is διηνεκὲς (diēnekes - Strong’s 1336), translating to continual, perpetual, unceasing.
- The Greek word for being sanctified is ἁγιαζομένους (hagiazomenous - Strong’s 37), translating to “to sanctify”, “to make holy”, “to consecrate”, “to set apart”
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Hebrews 10:39
- The Greek word for faith is πίστεως (pisteōs - Strong’s 4102), translating to faith, belief, trust, confidence, fidelity (from 3982/peithô, "persuade, be persuaded") – properly, persuasion (be persuaded, come to trust); faith.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
- The Greek word for perfecter is τελειωτὴν (teleiōtēn - Strong’s 5051), translating to perfection, completeness, maturity.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5
No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
1 John 2:25
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
1 John 4:15-18
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
1 John 5:13
- The Greek word for believe is πιστεύουσιν (pisteuousin - Strong’s 4100), translating to “to believe”, “to have faith”, “to trust”
- The Greek word for you may know is εἰδῆτε (eidēte - Strong’s 1492), translating to “to see”, “to know”, “to perceive”, “to be aware”
- The Greek word for you have is ἔχετε (echete - Strong’s 2192), translating to “to have”, “to hold”, “to possess”
Jude 24
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,
Verses Used Against This View
The following verses (ESV) have been used to try to argue against eternal security. However, context and looking at the Greek for these verses defeat their argument. The common theme you’ll see is an assertion that the verse is talking about salvation, when it is not.
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Matthew 24:9-13
- The Greek word for will fall away is σκανδαλισθήσονται (skandalisthēsontai - Strong’s 4624), translating to “To cause to stumble”, “to offend”, “to lead into sin”
- Context:
- Matthew 24:3-8 - As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.“
- Matthew 24:3-8 - As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.“
- Appears to me that “will fall away” is not talking about falling away from faith, but stumbling into sin because of the deception of many. This is also supported by the final verse: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”, as those of us who have the Holy Spirit (born again) will be kept secure until the end. (Similar note to Mark 13:13 below)
“And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Mark 13:13
- I actually agree with this verse wholeheartedly. Everyone who believes (faith/trust and repentance) receives the Holy Spirit, keeping you until the end.
- Look through all the verses in support. Namely:
- 1 Corinthians 1:7-8
- 1 Peter 1:3-5
- Jude 24
- Look through all the verses in support. Namely:
“And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.”
Luke 8:13
- Opposition claim: Notice it says they believe for a while, and then fall away.
- The Greek word for believe is πιστεύουσιν (pisteuousin - Strong’s 4100), the same form as used in James 2:19
- “Well isn’t that same Greek word used by Jesus when he says to believe in Him to be saved”?
A different form of it, yes. The Greek language has prepositions that change the kind of belief that pisteuó points to; it can be either faith/trust, or mere head knowledge.
These articles break it down succinctly:
- “Well isn’t that same Greek word used by Jesus when he says to believe in Him to be saved”?
- The debate with this verse is going to be around if this group of people are saved. “But these have no root” makes it sound like this points to them not having a true saving belief, the Greek word πιστεύω (pisteuó - Strong’s 4100 - faith/trust in Jesus alone).
- Given the parallel accounts in Matthew and Mark, it makes more sense that this “believe” is mere head knowledge like in James 2:19
- Matthew 13:20-21 - “As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.”
- Mark 4:16-17 - “And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.”
- Given the parallel accounts in Matthew and Mark, it makes more sense that this “believe” is mere head knowledge like in James 2:19
To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:59-62
- The Greek word for fit is εὔθετός (euthetos - Strong’s 2111), translating to fit, suitable, useful. (from 2095 /eú, "good, well" and 5087 /títhēmi, "to place")
- Context: the next 3 verses, Luke 10:1-3 - After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”
- It appears that this context is the reason why the NIV has phrased 9:62 as “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
- It appears that this context is the reason why the NIV has phrased 9:62 as “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
- This verse talks about the cost of being a disciple/serving in ministry, namely as Jesus is sending people out to “go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
“But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.”
Luke 12:45-46
- Opposition claim: Notice it states a "servant" waiting for his "master". This represents a believer and God. It says the believer was disobedient and not acting according to God’s will. It says God will show up on a day when the believer does not expect, will cut him in pieces, and assign him a place with the unfaithful. This shows God will put a disobedient believer in hell with the unfaithful.
- Context:
- Luke 12:35-44 - “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
(41) Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.”
- Luke 12:35-44 - “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
- We need to be careful about using parables beyond their original intent, especially if such use goes against the clear verses of Scripture.
- I find it hard to agree with the assertion that all servants in this parable are true believers, as the context states “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes.”, and not “Blessed are those whom are called servants of the master.”
- Also on the disobedient note, notice what the servants are described as: “men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.”. Therefore the inverse of this would be the disobedience described later, those who are not awake.
- With context in mind, both immediate and the rest of the Bible, I see being “awake”, as the blessed servants are described, as those who have repented (metanoeó - “change of mind”) and believed (faith/trust in Jesus), and are now eagerly awaiting for Jesus’ return. For people who put off believing the message of the Gospel, thinking they have time to do that later, Jesus will return at an hour they do not know.
And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”
Luke 15:11-24
- Opposition claim: the son (believer) had to repent, leave his sinful ways behind, and return to the father for the father to consider his son alive and found, after being dead and lost.
- Context:
- Luke 15:1-7 - Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
- Luke 15:8-10 - “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
- The Greek word for repents used in verses 7 & 10 is μετανοοῦντι (metanoounti - Strong’s 3340), translating to “change of mind” (from 3326 /metá, "changed after being with" and 3539 /noiéō, "think")
- Luke 15:1-7 - Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
- Jesus gives these parables one after another. In the context, the first two parables point to the lost (sinner) repenting (the Greek word μετανοοῦντι - metanoounti - Strong’s 3340 - change of mind). Therefore, because of the immediate context and the verses in support, I find it difficult to conclude that this third parable equates the son to a believer (true believer/has the Holy Spirit).
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”
John 15:1-6
- Opposition claim: They were attached to him, but did not remain in him. Showing they had salvation, and then lost it due to producing bad fruit (sin disbelief).
- Context:
- John 13-17 - The Last Supper — audience: the twelve disciples
- John 15:7-8 - “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 - According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
- Hebrews 12:6-11 - “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
- 1 John 3:23-24 - And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
- 1 John 4:13-15 - By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
- If I am to hold the view that this parable is linked to salvation, I would have to deal with verse three: “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.” Notice that it does not say “Already you are clean because you have abided in me all this time.”
- Given the context of this being said to Jesus’ disciples, verse 3 saying they are already clean by Jesus’ words, and verse eight pointing out that by remaining in Him they’d prove to be His disciples, instead of proving to be saved, I cannot see salvation being the subject here. What fits much better here is, as Ephesians 2:10 puts it, the “good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
- Paul writes about this specifically in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, where our good works built on the foundation of Jesus Christ will be tested by fire and “if anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.”
2 - “since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.”
11 - “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”
John 17:2, 11-12
- This is another decent verse to try to use against this view. However, immediate context tells us why. Judas was not lost because he was a believer that fell away, but in order to fulfill Scripture. To say that Judas was ever saved is to say the Jesus knew Judas was a devil, yet saved him just for a little while.
- John 6:70-71 - Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.
Romans 11:20-21
- Context:
- Romans 11:11-12 - So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!
- The broken off branches is referencing Israel.
- Romans 11:23 - And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again.
- Romans 11:11-12 - So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!
- Be careful using a parable outside of what it was intended for. This “broken and ingrafted branches” parable is used not for those in Christ, but for Israel and Gentiles.
- This verse still harmonizes with eternal security, as those that truly believe are grafted in. Again, looking at the verses in support, those who truly believe will be kept secure until the end by the Holy Spirit.
- Romans 11:28-29 - As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
- 1 Peter 1:3-5 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
- Hebrews 3:14 - For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
- 1 John 2:19 - They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:27
- Context:
- 1 Corinthians 9:11-19, 23 - If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?
Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.
But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
23 - I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
- The Greek word for wreath is στέφανον (stephanos - Strong’s 4735), translating to crown, crowns, wreath.
- The Greek word for wreath is στέφανον (stephanos - Strong’s 4735), translating to crown, crowns, wreath.
- 1 Corinthians 10:21-23 - You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
- Echoed again in 1 Corinthians 6:12 - “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
- Echoed again in 1 Corinthians 6:12 - “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
- 1 Corinthians 9:11-19, 23 - If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?
- Paul is not talking about being disqualified from salvation, but from the race to receive an imperishable wreath/crown, which is to “present the gospel free of charge” (ministry).
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
- Just like Mark 13:13, I agree with this verse wholeheartedly. Everyone who truly believes (faith/trust and repentance) receives the Holy Spirit, keeping you until the end.
- 1 Corinthians 1:7-8
- 1 Peter 1:3-5
- Jude 24
- Notice Paul writes “if you hold fast to the word I preached to you”; what’s the word he preached? Check verse 1 - “the gospel I preached to you”. Not “holding onto the good works I told you to do”, but holding on to the gospel. We see at the end of verse 2 that holding onto the gospel means believing, because Paul writes “unless you believed in vain.”
You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
Galatians 5:4
- Opposition claim: How can you fall from grace, if you never had grace?
- Context:
- Galatians 2:21 - I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
- Galatians 3:18 - For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
- Romans 11:6 - But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
- Hebrews 5:11-12, 6:1 - About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food,
6:1 - Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
- Galatians 2:21 - I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
- While this is one of the better verses to try to use against Eternal Security, given the context of Galatians and the rest of the Bible, those trying to be justified by the law have not truly believed (faith/trust in Jesus). They do not yet understand the grace God gives us, those people in Galatia demonstrate this by adding just a single work to the Gospel.
- Those that truly believe will be kept firm to the end. I expand on this more in this block about apostasy in James 5:19-20
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30
- Firstly, let’s not ignore literally the second half of this sentence. It is impossible to reconcile saying that we could grieve the loss of the Holy Spirit, who you were sealed until the day of redemption.
- The Greek word for grieve used here is λυπεῖτε (lupeó - Strong’s 3076), translating to “to grieve”, “to cause sorrow”, “to distress”.
- This is not “grieve the Holy Spirit”, as in the people are grieving the loss of the Holy Spirit (evidenced by literally the same sentence), but that the Holy Spirit is grieved/saddened.
- We know that the Holy Spirit is a He, therefore can have feelings.
- Luke 10:21 - In that same hour he [Jesus] rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said…
- Hebrews 10:29 - How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?
- Isaiah 63:10 - But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.
- The Hebrew word used for grieved is וְעִצְּב֖וּ (atsab - Strong’s 6087), translating to "To grieve”, “to hurt”, “to pain”, “to vex”.
- We know that the Holy Spirit is a He, therefore can have feelings.
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 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, 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.
Colossians 1:21-23
- Opposition claim: Salvation is only assured "if" you continue being faithful and obedient.
- The Greek word for blameless is ἀμώμους (amōmous - Strong’s 299), translating to blameless, without blemish, faultless.
- The Greek word for above reproach is ἀνεγκλήτους (anenklētous - Strong’s 410), translating to blameless, above reproach, unaccused.
- The Greek word for in the faith is πίστει (pistei - Strong’s 4102), translating to faith, belief, trust, confidence, fidelity.
- I do not see where the idea of “obedience to be saved” comes from in these verses. If anything the verse says the opposite, that we are holy, blameless, and unaccused by Christ’s death applied to those who believe.
- This brings to mind Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
- This brings to mind Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
- This verse actually harmonizes with eternal security. As stated numerous times now, God will keep those who have been given the Holy Spirit blameless until the end. See Mark 13:13 and the verses in support.
- 1 Corinthians 1:7-8
- 1 Peter 1:3-5
- Jude 24
holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,
1 Timothy 1:19
- Opposition claim: You cant shipwreck a faith you don’t have.
- Context:
- 1 Timothy 1:15-18 - The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,
- 1 Timothy 1:19-20 - holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
- Hymenaeus in 2 Timothy 2:16-19 - But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
- Possibly Alexander in 2 Timothy 4:14-17 - Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
- 1 Timothy 1:15-18 - The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,
- With context in mind, this verse is talking about apostasy. Paul defines for us in the context what the message that Hymenaeus and Alexander rejected: the Gospel. Paul wrote on this same topic in , saying that you are saved if you hold fast to (believe) the Gospel. This fits perfectly with my argument here, that those that truly believe (faith/trust in Jesus) will, by the Holy Spirit, stand firm to the end. See
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 - Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
1 Timothy 4:1
- Opposition claim: You cant depart from a faith, if you have never been part of it.
- Just like Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:19 and this block about apostasy in James 5:19-20, there will be people that say they are Christians, but we as people won’t know if they truly believe (faith/trust in Jesus) and are saved.
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.
Hebrews 3:12
- Opposition claim: How can you fall away from God, if you have not been connected to him?
- Context:
- Hebrews 3:6 - but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
- Hebrews 3:14 - For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
- The immediate context tells us how we know we have been “connected” to God, if we hold our confidence to the end. With this in mind, if someone has an “unbelieving heart” they never came to share in Christ.
- “Well what does the verse mean by ‘fall away from the living God’?” Whatever it means, we have to keep the context in mind; if one says “it means you lost your salvation and/or your share in Christ”, that is wrong in light of verse six and fourteen.
- What makes the most sense is that this “fall away” is from our/the human perspective, people departing from the family of believers. However from God’s perspective, He knows the future and His people. People can say they are Christians, but not truly believe (faith/trust in Jesus).
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.
Hebrews 6:4-8
- This is the strongest verse the opposition can use according to my research. However, I see a few issues with trying to argue using this verse.
- I do not believe the interpretation that this is purely a hypothetical scenario; the Greek does not reflect an “then if they have fallen away…”.
- I do not believe the interpretation that this is purely a hypothetical scenario; the Greek does not reflect an “then if they have fallen away…”.
- Context:
- Hebrews 3:6 - but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
- Hebrews 3:14 - For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
- Hebrews 5:11-6:2 - About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.- Two things I gather from this context.
One, the audience of Hebrews appears to be to Jewish Christians. I gather this from both the “instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment” line and Hebrews 1:1-2a - Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.
- Two, it appears that the group of people talked about here have not yet repented and believed, though they may be close to it. I get this from “it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing… You need milk, not solid food,”.
- Two things I gather from this context.
- Matthew 13:22-23 - “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
- Acts 8:5, 9-24 - Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
- Hebrews 3:6 - but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
- Context:
- Hebrews 5:11-6:2 - About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.- Two things I gather from this context.
One, the audience of Hebrews appears to be to Jewish Christians. I gather this from both the “instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment” line and Hebrews 1:1-2a - Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.
- Two, it appears that the group of people talked about here have not yet repented and believed, though they may be close to it. I get this from “it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing… You need milk, not solid food,”.
- Two things I gather from this context.
- Matthew 13:22-23 - “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
- Acts 8:5, 9-24 - Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
- Hebrews 5:11-6:2 - About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
- This section of Hebrews appears to be talking about people like Simon, who have heard, seen and experienced the Gospel and the miracles of the Holy Spirit, but have not repented (metanoeó - “change of mind”). This is why in Hebrews 5:12 it says “…you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God…” This seems to also line up with the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, where the soil that grew thorns and thistles heard the word, but never truly repented and believed.
- Another point I see is that, bearing in mind that Hebrews is written to a Jewish Christian audience, the “then have fallen away” could be falling back to Jewish law keeping, rejecting/forsaking Jesus’ fulfillment of the law.
For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?
Hebrews 10:26-29
- The Greek word for receiving is λαβεῖν (lambanó - Strong's 2983), translating to “to take”, receive, obtain
- The Greek word for has set aside is ἀθετήσας (atheteó - Strong’s 114), translating to “to reject”, “to nullify”, “to set aside”, “to disregard”
- Context: The “no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” points to the fact that only Jesus’ sacrifice can save us. If we reject Him, then you’ll be accountable for your sins on judgement day.
- Hebrews 10:4 - For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
- John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- Acts 4:12 - “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
- Notice what it does NOT say, “if we go on sinning deliberately after believing of the truth…” This verse is about apostasy, people who “receive the knowledge of the truth” (the gospel) and reject it. The same applies to anyone who had “set aside” or rejected the law of Moses, they die without mercy.
My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20
- Opposition claim: Salvation can be lost due to deliberate sin
- The Greek word for truth is ἀληθείας (alētheias - Strong’s 225), translating just to “truth” (from 227 /alēthḗs, "true to fact") – properly, truth (true to fact), reality.
- Truth seems to be used in two senses throughout the Bible: referring to “a fact/reality” or to God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit/the Gospel.
- James uses this word for truth two more times in this letter, seeming to be in the latter sense:
- James 1:17-18 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
- James 3:13-14 - Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
- Other books use truth in the latter sense too:
- John 8:32 - “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
- John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- Romans 3:7 - But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner?
- Galatians 2:5 - to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
- Ephesians 1:13 - In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
- 2 Thessalonians 2:12 - in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
- 1 Timothy 3:15 - if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
- 2 Timothy 2:18 - who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.
- Hebrews 10:26 - For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
- (Full breakdown: )
- 1 John 5:6 - This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
- (More occurrences are out there, chose the best/clearest verses to list here)
- James uses this word for truth two more times in this letter, seeming to be in the latter sense:
- With this context, I don’t see “wanders from the truth” meaning deliberate sin. Rather, I see it as apostasy.
- “Well doesn’t that still mean you can lose your salvation if you apostatize?!” No, we see many people that were “Christians” or “followed Christ”, but they never truly believed/had faith/trusted in Christ.
- Judas in John 6:70-71 - Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
- Judas again in John 17:12 - “While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”
- Antichrists in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
- Antichrists/unbelievers in 1 John 2:19-20 - They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
- Unbelievers in Hebrews 10:39 - But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
- Those that truly believe will never be snatched out of God’s hand. See verses in support.
- “Well doesn’t that still mean you can lose your salvation if you apostatize?!” No, we see many people that were “Christians” or “followed Christ”, but they never truly believed/had faith/trusted in Christ.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
- Opposition claim: Peter wouldn’t use language like "someone to devour" if he wasn’t trying to warn believers Satan can deceive or tempt you to hell.
- Context:
- 1 Peter 4:12-13 - Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
- 1 Peter 5:9-10 - Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
- The context tells us what Peter means by devour: not losing salvation, but suffering.
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”
2 Peter 2:20-22
- The Greek word for knowledge is ἐπιγνώσει (epignōsei - Strong’s 1922), translating to knowledge, full knowledge, discernment, recognition
- The Greek word for to have known is ἐπεγνωκέναι (epegnōkenai - Strong’s 1921), translating to “to know”, “to recognize”, “to perceive”, “to understand fully”
- The Greek word for after knowing is ἐπιγνοῦσιν (epignousin - Strong’s 1921), translating to “to know”, “to recognize”, “to perceive”, “to understand fully”
- Notice what it does NOT say, “if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through believing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” This verse is about apostasy, people who “have known the way of righteousness” but turn away from it.
- Similar to Hebrews 10:26
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10
- Just like Mark 13:13, I agree with this verse wholeheartedly. Everyone who truly believes (faith/trust and repentance) receives the Holy Spirit, keeping you until the end.
- 1 Corinthians 1:7-8
- 1 Peter 1:3-5
- Jude 24
“The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”
Revelation 3:5
- Opposition’s claim: This shows some people can have their name blotted out of the book of life.
- This verse does not say that some names will be blotted out of the book of life. It only reaffirms that those who repent will NOT be blotted out.
- Context: Revelation 3:3 - “Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”
- The Greek word for repent is μετανόησον (metanoēson - Strong’s 3340), translating to “change of mind” (from 3326 /metá, "changed after being with" and 3539 /noiéō, "think")
- Context: Revelation 3:3 - “Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”
How To Change My Mind
As I mentioned in the beginning of this document, I want the Biblical perspective on this. In order to convince me that I’m wrong on this topic, I’d need the following (in order of significance)
- An explanation of all (or at least most) of the verses in support by
- Using the context of the verse and the rest of the Bible
- Bringing up the Greek/Hebrew word
- Then from either/both of those, make your case
- A refutation of my explanations of the verses against. I’ve used a similar framework that I just listed to explain these verses.
More to explore
Browse the other apologetic writings, or start with the full Gospel presentation.
All Writings →