The statement that one cannot be "unborn" as a defense to Once Saved, Always Saved has to be one of the most puzzling arguments presented. It is a completely illogical assertion for even in the natural, there is no such condition as being "unborn".Being born is the process whereby life is made manifest. The opposite of having life is not to be "unborn", but to be dead. Just as one dies physically when life is no longer present, one also dies spiritually when the life of Christ is no longer present within.
This truth is reiterated in the parable of the Prodigal Son. When the son returns from his rebellious, riotous living, the father states:
"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." Luke 15:11-24
The argument about being "unborn" is a strawman. No one is asserting that someone can be unborn. However, being separated from the life of Christ will result in spiritual death (this is discussed in more detail here).
Another correlation some attempt to make is that the spiritual new birth is a reflection of the physical birth. They say, "No matter what I do or how I disappoint him, my earthly father is always my father and I will always be his son. It is the same with God." Therefore, they claim that - just like your physical genetic relationships cannot be undone - neither can your spiritual relationships.
The problem with this assertion is that our relationship with God as His sons and daughters is not based on a us being His physical children. We are not children of God by natural birth, but by spiritual adoption through faith.
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." I John 5:4
So, if our faith is what determines our relationship with God, the question becomes, "Can the foundation of one's faith change?"
We can draw back from faith: "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." Hebrews 10:38
Faith can be overthrown: "Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." II Timothy 2:18
You can cast off your faith: "Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith." I Timothy 5:12
One's faith can be put away and made shipwrecked: "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck." I Timothy 1:19
Unlike our genetic make-up (which determines our earthly family), our faith - the basis for a relationship with God - can change. This is why God continually reminds us to remain faithful; salvation is the result of faith that endures to the end.
"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." I Peter 1:5
"Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." I Peter 1:9
This article is part of a 6-part series evaluating a doctrine referred to as Once Saved Always Saved, Eternal Unconditional Security, or Preservation of the Saints.
- God Doesn't Mince Words
- "IF"
- Salvation is a Result of Covenant
- God's Relationship With Man is Based on Covenant
- Was the Abrahamic Covenant Unconditional?
- Covenant Responsibilities
- Sealed Until the Day of Redemption
- A Candid Look at OSAS "Support"
- Eternal Life is a Gift
- Nothing Can Separate You From the Love of God
- You Cannot Be Unborn
- You Can Only Lose Fellowship with God
- You Can Only Lose Your Reward
- Predestined by God
- Eternal Life is "Eternal"
- All means ALL
- The ONLY Reason Salvation Can Be "Lost"
I am someone who has grown up in the OSAS doctrine. I have believed this for most of my life. Until i began to visit a different church who taught (directly from the scriptures) the Person, Work and Power of the Holy Spirit and His ministry in our lives. Now the thing that i learned most from my first church is to interpret the scriptures by the scriptures (hermaneutics and to use exogesis and not isogesis) So i appreciate very much the way you have systematically listed scriptures in its context to outline your argument against OSAS. I believe that we live what we believe and because of this when we think there is nothing we can do to lose our salvation then we will live as such and pretend to repent over and over again to the detriment of our souls. Therefore, living out a life of cheap grace and forfeiting the true benefits of a life in Christ and ultimately going to hell. I have just discovered this site and i am very impressed with how Biblically sound you are and pray you continue to spread the Good News while exposing the lies.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless
Hi LDM,
ReplyDeleteYou say “The opposite of having life is to be dead. Just as one dies physically when life is no longer present, one also dies spiritually when the life of Christ is no longer present within.” If one dies physically he does not rise again. What if when one dies spiritually does he rise again?
Luke 15:11-24 this verse show that the son never ceased to be his son and it does not say if he was adopted or by birth.
If you say that we are not children of God by natural birth, but by spiritual adoption through faith. What about John 3:3 is not man born in spirit? Again this verse does not say unless a man is born again and again and again and again. So one is saved once and not twice or so.
You quote I John 5:4 "For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." then you make a grave mistake when you miss a whole verse that explains the previous verse “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” I John 5:5.
You ask “Can the foundation of one's faith change?” this is what I believe; Salvation is believing without works[John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, Ephes. 1:13-14 ]Christ paid for all my sins, salvation is a gift, I’m sealed by the holy spirit[Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Cor. 1:21-22, Phil 1:6] if don’t believe in one of this then my faith has changed [As you say in Hebrews 10:38 II, Timothy 2:18,I Timothy 5:12] Or as the bible puts []
One's faith can be put away and made shipwrecked: "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith[believing without works] have made shipwreck.[adding works]" I Timothy 1:19 salvation is the result of faith that endures to the end. But non of the verse u say above proves one can loose salvation
Hebrews 10:38 says you shall live by faith alone but when you add works you draw back meaning you did not trust only on Christ’s death on the cross, when He said it is finished.
"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." I Peter 1:5 this verse is approve of OSAS that it is the power of God that keeps our salvation, not works.
"Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." I Peter 1:9
Hello Amazing Ace, Graphics,
ReplyDeleteOne is saved when he/she endures to the end. As you state, it is the "end" of our faith which brings us to salvation. If one does not endure in the faith, then like the prodigal son, one becomes dead to the Father.
It sounds brother as if you do not have a Biblical perception of salvation or eternal security. I would highly recommend you read the following:
Working OUT What God is Working IN
There is also a series of articles reviewing the errors of OSAS, which may be found here:
Eternal Security
God is faithful to give us wisdom in this or any area, if we but ask Him.
God Bless.