The Doctrine of Eternal Security
Jesus’s teaching in John 10 describes the safety and security believers experience as sheep who follow the Good Shepherd. Those who put their faith in Christ’s finished work do not have to speculate about their eternal future. Salvation cannot be obtained through human works, nor can it be forfeited when we falter. This is true because right standing in God’s sight rests solely on Christ’s perfection, not ours. The Holy Spirit “seals” or guarantees the eternal salvation of all people who put their faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice.1 When God initiates the good work of salvation and redeems a sinner, He continues perfectly unhindered until salvation’s glorious consummation.2
How do we explain people who first profess Christ as Savior, then later walk away from Him? While we cannot accurately assess anyone’s relationship with Christ, God can. Scripture teaches that God holds fast those who genuinely trust Him for salvation. In this life, believers continue to struggle with sin and doubt. However, God’s grip on the true believer is stronger than sin’s pull, feelings of doubt, or the enemy’s opposition.3 When doubts arise, our best focus is to passionately seek the Lord. The promises of Scripture stand firm as an anchor for the soul. Salvation is God’s work from start to glorious finish.4
Many people believe their salvation can be lost. Some walk away for a time and then return. Others who walk away may never have had real trust. We cannot know—only God knows. However, if salvation depends on our wavering obedience, we live life facing eternity without certainty. We do not adequately grasp Christ’s unconditional love and sustaining grace. Struggles that come when we sin cause doubts. Christ’s righteousness, not our own, secures salvation.
What a relief to understand that our soul’s security rests in Christ, not ourselves! We regularly experience the darkness lingering within our hearts. We recognize that we often love our sin more than our Savior. But we also recognize that we are sheep who hear our Shepherd’s voice. When we stray, Jesus comes after us. When we falter, He holds us up. Jesus carries us through. We will persevere in faith, not because we are strong, but because Jesus is mighty.
1. Christ’s sacrifice: Ephesians 1:13-14
2. Secure until salvation’s consummation: Romans 8:29-30
3. No separation: Romans 8:38-39: Philippians 1:6
4. God’s work in salvation: Romans 8:30; Philippians 1:6
How do we explain people who first profess Christ as Savior, then later walk away from Him? While we cannot accurately assess anyone’s relationship with Christ, God can. Scripture teaches that God holds fast those who genuinely trust Him for salvation. In this life, believers continue to struggle with sin and doubt. However, God’s grip on the true believer is stronger than sin’s pull, feelings of doubt, or the enemy’s opposition.3 When doubts arise, our best focus is to passionately seek the Lord. The promises of Scripture stand firm as an anchor for the soul. Salvation is God’s work from start to glorious finish.4
Many people believe their salvation can be lost. Some walk away for a time and then return. Others who walk away may never have had real trust. We cannot know—only God knows. However, if salvation depends on our wavering obedience, we live life facing eternity without certainty. We do not adequately grasp Christ’s unconditional love and sustaining grace. Struggles that come when we sin cause doubts. Christ’s righteousness, not our own, secures salvation.
What a relief to understand that our soul’s security rests in Christ, not ourselves! We regularly experience the darkness lingering within our hearts. We recognize that we often love our sin more than our Savior. But we also recognize that we are sheep who hear our Shepherd’s voice. When we stray, Jesus comes after us. When we falter, He holds us up. Jesus carries us through. We will persevere in faith, not because we are strong, but because Jesus is mighty.
1. Christ’s sacrifice: Ephesians 1:13-14
2. Secure until salvation’s consummation: Romans 8:29-30
3. No separation: Romans 8:38-39: Philippians 1:6
4. God’s work in salvation: Romans 8:30; Philippians 1:6
Resource: Bible Study Fellowship, People of Promise: Kingdom Divided, Lesson 14, The Gospel of John
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