by Vince Finnegan
For more information visit lhim.org
The myth we bust this morning is eternal security–the doctrine that people who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior cannot lose their salvation. This is also known as “once saved, always saved.” This belief has many supporters in Christianity, and the biblical evidence for it seems strong. However, this subject has been disputed since the Reformation, 500 years ago. The importance of rightly understanding it is paramount.
Romans 3:10-24 The great discourse in many of Paul’s writings is busting the myth that adherence to the Law of Moses is necessary to receive salvation.
Galatians 2:21; 3:21-22
Ephesians 2:1-9
Is everyone saved?
Romans 3:22-24 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace…
Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God
The answer is: only those who have faith; so what is faith?
What is faith?
James 2:14-26 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. (V.17)
Matthew 7:21-29; 10:22; 19:16-22; 25:31-46; Luke 8:15
Romans 2:5-11
Galatians 5:14-26
Ephesians 5:1-6
Colossians 1:21-24
1 John 2:28–3:10 Yes, indeed, we are saved by grace, but we must have faith to receive it, and all faith has corresponding action or works. If Jesus is your Lord, then you must be submissive to his commandments. He is not your Lord just because you call him Lord.
Hebrews 3:6, 14; 10:26-29 We are saved by grace. Salvation is accepted by our faith. Faith always has corresponding actions–obedience that endures to the end.
“if you confess with your MOUTH the Lord Jesus
.
and
.
believe in your HEART that God has raised Him from the dead,
.
YOU WILL BE SAVED.
.
For with the HEART one BELIEVES unto righteousness,
.
and with the MOUTH confession is made UNTO SALVATION.
.
For the Scripture says,
.
‘Whoever BELIEVES on Him will not be put to shame.’
.
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek,
.
for the same Lord over all is rich to ALL WHO CALL UPON HIM.
.
For ‘WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.’”
.
(Romans 10:9 – 13)
.
“For as by ONE man’s disobedience many were made sinners,
.
so by the obedience OF ONE
[Jesus Christ]
shall many BE MADE RIGHTEOUS.”
.
(Romans 5:19)
.
It’s not by YOUR obedience that you are made righteous. (Please see Romans 10:9 – 13 above for HOW one BELIEVES unto righteousness).
.
Abraham (before the Law was given by Moses) was justified by faith:
.
“Abraham BELIEVED God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:3)
.
Romans 4:2 – 8 says:
.
“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
.
For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’
.
Now to him who works, the wages are NOT counted as grace but as debt.
.
But to him who does NOT WORK but BELIEVES on Him who justifies the UNGODLY,
.
his FAITH is accounted for righteousness,
.
just as David also describes the blessedness of the man
.
to whom God imputes righteousness APART FROM WORKS:
.
Blessed are those whose lawless deeds ARE FORGIVEN, And whose SINS ARE COVERED;
.
Blessed is the man TO WHOM THE LORD SHALL NOT IMPUTE SIN.”