Eternal Security is a debate that probably will not be settled this side of Heaven. I'm not sure that Jesus approves of all the finger pointing and harsh words that flow back and forth when this topic arises.
I've attempted to list below a good number of Bible verses written by the Apostle John on this topic. It is my belief that Christians need to abide and are not once saved always saved as you see by the comments that I've included.
Listing the verses by just one author is not the best method to present an argument but I did it because John is routinely quoted by proponents of once saved always saved doctrine.
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:
Becoming children of God, is future.
Check Romans 8:19 & 23-25
For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
23 Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees? 25 But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.
and 1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy became our father again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, 5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ—8 whom not having known you love; in whom, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory— 9 receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
John 3:18
18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.
Obey in this verse can be translated as believe. To me this verse reveals that believing is a continuing thing. If you stop believing you will receive the wrath of God. It does not say once believed and the rest of the verses in this post should make that very clear.
John 4:14
14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
If this was the only verse in the bible concerning eternal security, then one might think that eternal security is true since the word for drinks conveys the meaning of one drink. I think that is true, salvation starts with one drink. It does not take repeated salvations to get to heaven, God’s plan is for it to be one. Notice the word shall…that is future and it is God’s plan that salvation is a well that springs up to eternal life. We have shown several times that eternal life commences at the Judgments. It is God’s plan that every Christian, every person arrive at that place and receive eternal life. Sadly, most people do not and that includes some who turn back.
John 5: 24
24 “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
The word for believes here means to believe and continue believing. That is how it works, do not reject the belief you have in Christ and you won’t be at the great white throne judgment where the outcome is eternal hell.
John 6: 37-40 & 47 & 51 & 54 & 56 –58
37 All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 This is the will of my Father who sent me, that of all he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day. 40 This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
47 Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.
51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
54 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he who feeds on me, he will also live because of me. 58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven—not as our fathers ate the manna, and died. He who eats this bread will
live forever.”
At first read one would be certain that this passage is proof of eternal security. But this text does not actually teach that one bite of the bread gives you eternal life, it is eats. This becomes apparent when Jesus also says that the one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me. It is also apparent when He says it’s not as the fathers ate and He is meaning in the wilderness where they had manna. They did not eat just one time but all of their lives. It is not a one time taste, it is a lifetime of feasting. These comparisons indicates that it is a life-long eating. Those who do, are raised on the last day to eternal life. It is those who eat and abide.
The only argument that can really be raised from this passage that might support "once saved always saved" is that those who do not abide have never eaten and that is not true based upon many other bible passages I have included in this post.
Jesus says that whoever comes to Him, He will not cast out. That is a true statement. It does not say that a person who once eats will stay. The believer can leave but he will not be cast out.
Consider these passages in the book of Joshua: First Joshua 1: 5 & 9
5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.
9 Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Now consider these passages that the Lord spoke after Joshua’s army was defeated at AI. It is found in Joshua 7:11-12:
11 Israel has sinned. Yes, they have even transgressed my covenant which I commanded them. Yes, they have even taken some of the devoted things, and have also stolen, and also deceived. They have even put it among their own stuff. 12 Therefore the children of Israel can’t stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will not be with you any more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.
Did God lie because He said that He would never leave, and then He did? No, God did not lie. The sons of Israel left and that is still the situation.
John 8: 51
51 Most certainly, I tell you, if a person keeps my word, he will never see death.”
Here again the importance of abiding is stressed. It is keeps, not once kept. It is an on-going process and the result is never to see death. On that last day when people are sent to eternal life or eternal death and torment, those who keep His word will go into eternal life.
John 10 27-29
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
This is a key verse for those who hold to once saved always saved but I think that several misconceptions are made concerning these verses by that crowd.
The first one is that the sheep are not the ones that have once believed no matter what has transpired since that time, but He is talking about the sheep that follow Him. Check out the parable of the 99 sheep and see what happens when one wanders and what happens if they return.
The second misconception is that the (no one) that is talked about that can’t snatch them out of God’s hand includes that particular believer also. This is not true, their own free will is still in effect and they can reject, fall away, or throw away the salvation that they were freely given. See the parable of the soils and seeds. Also 1 Cor 15:2 and Col 1:23.
All through the Bible, disobedience or rejecting God has brought severe consequences. God made the world to last forever. We know that because a few days later He made a man who was supposed to live forever. He made the angels to live forever and He also created man to live forever. These lost their eternal life as a result of their own actions or in the case of the earth and for that matter, the universe because of the actions of man. Even after the 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth God will loose the devil so he can cause as many as will to reject Christ. Why would He do that? For 1000 years peace reigns and Jesus is visible on earth. It is because that is the way God works. These are true statements, to think that for some reason God would accept into heaven those who have believed and then rejected him flies in the face of this logic. It also goes against a myriad of Bible verses.
It is perfectly true that no one can snatch a person out of God’s hand. That’s why 2Peter 3:17 says to be on your guard less you fall from your own steadfastness. The NIV says from your secure place. If someone believes and later leaves, you can be sure it was not because God cast him out or someone snatched him out. That person left on his own choice.
John 13:8-10
8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!”
Jesus answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
10 Jesus said to him, “Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.”
This is in the upper room at the last supper. Peter doesn’t want Jesus to wash his feet but Jesus says that if He does not, then Peter will have no part with Him. Later He says that he who has bathed only needs to wash his feet.
1John 1:8
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Evangelists rightly tell us that one sin is all that is needed to keep us out of heaven. Thank God for v 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. What happens between the time that we sin and confess that we are sinners? 1John 2:1 We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. This is also the reason that the Lords prayer contains the line forgive us our depts. (trespasses).
It’s true that Jesus was demonstrating servitude and that the least among us will be the greatest but there was no reason for the explanation for the washing unless it pertained to daily cleansing from sin.
Incidentally, we don’t have to necessarily have to name each sin. It would be impossible to remember each one.
John 15: 2-6
2 Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
This takes place in the upper room at the last supper. 11 of the disciples are present, Judas has left to betray Jesus. I am the vine and you are the branches v5, every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away v2. and they gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.v6. Not a very rosy picture for those who do not abide in Christ. To abide is to stay and receive your strength from Christ v5.
Some say that this is not hell and that the person who does not abide and bear fruit is still saved and heading for eternal life. Those are the once saved always saved people and the verses that they point out that have this fire that is not hell are verses like this one pointing out the penalties of non belief. The claim that there is another fire at the end of the age that doesn’t lead to hell kind sounds a little like Purgatory.
John 20:31
31 but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
Believe and keep on believing, not once believed and if you have believed and kept on believing, then you may have life in His name. Otherwise, you may not.
1John 1:7
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.
John’s purpose for writing 1 John is so believers can know that they have eternal life. There are several tests throughout the book and by measuring yourself to the standards, you can see if you have eternal life or possibly the determination will be that you don’t. If there are standards to determine that you have eternal life, then failing to meet those standards will present a different conclusion. Here is 1John 5:13 explaining the purpose of the book. “These thing I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Notice that the book is written to those who believe in the name of the Son of God. That would be Christians. If once believed was the standard wouldn’t it say that? When talking to believers, why would you even insinuate that there is a question? The verse would say something like “Since you have believed when you heard, you have eternal life.” It would be a shorter book, there would be no other proof. He is not talking to those who have not believed or those who do not believe, but believers.
This is the first test…Do you walk in the light as He Himself is in the light? Do you have fellowship with one another? If so, the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses you from all sin. Do you, or don’t you?
The argument is made that this book is talking to Christians who do have eternal life because they once believed and it’s purpose is to give them the confidence that they have eternal life and spur them on to boldness. Well, you make that decision as we go through 1st and 2nd John.
1John 1:9-10
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
If, as some say, all our sins past, present, and future are forgiven at the time a believer firsts believes, why is this verse in the Bible? Why would you need forgiveness for any sin? Also, why would the Lord’s prayer contain the line “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”?
This entire book is written for believers, it’s not an outreach for the non believer, but it is an outreach to those who have left the faith.
When I talk to a person who has once believed but is no longer following Christ, I would not say “You’re OK, if you were once saved, no one can take that away from you.” I’ve seen this happen and the one being witnessed might leave determined to live closer to God but when the temptation arises again, those words “you were once saved and no one can take that away from you” will come back to them and they fall right back into the sin that had captured them before since they are OK.
1 John 2:1
My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.
It is not true that your sins past, present, and future are forgiven at the time you first believe. If you’re thinking that there is no hope because we all sin, and if a sin can keep us out of heaven, then who can make it. Here is the answer: Jesus our advocate makes petition before the Father on our behalf when we sin. As explained in James, it’s not sin that causes death, it’s when sin has completed its task and the sinner no longer turns to God in confession. It’s not that you need to remember every sin, we can’t do that, it’s that we remember that we are sinners and confess that to Christ.
Imagine what Jesus the Advocate would present before the Father when representing a believer who has denied Him. The answer is in Matthew 10.
1John 2:3-6
3 This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. 4 One who says, “I know him,” and doesn’t keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn’t in him. 5 But whoever keeps his word, God’s love has most certainly been perfected in him. This is how we know that we are in him: 6 he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked.
This is the second test that John gives so you can know that you have eternal life. Do you keep His commandments? Yes means Yes to eternal life, and No means No to eternal life. This is actually a test of the believer versus the non believer.
These passages are written to believers, or in this case those who were once believers. John calls them my little children in v1 and beloved in v7.
A side note: 1John 2:2 is a verse that to me disproves the “Limited Atonement” pillar of Calvanism. That pillar states that Christ died as a sacrifice for those who would place their faith in Him and for no one else. There is atonement for only those who would ultimately come to Him and no one else. Here is what the verse says: and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
1John 2: 9-11
9 He who says he is in the light and hates his brother, is in the darkness even until now. 10 He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
This is the second test that John puts forth to give you the confidence of knowing that you possess eternal life. That test is that you live your brothers in Christ. Not necessarily your biological brother, although, you should love him also. This test concerns your relationship with your family of believers.
Notice that the first person who hates his brother is in darkness until now and that the second person in this passage who hates his brother because the darkness has blinded his eyes; indicating that at one time he was in the light and could see.
If you have ever been around a person who has left the faith, you would probably notice that they do not have the same relationship with other Christians as they did while their faith was alive. Given enough time most will leave the church. This is not always the case because some will live a lie rather than risk someone confronting them. Which is exactly what should happen when a Christian brother becomes blinded.
1 John 2: 23-25
23 Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn’t have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.
24 Therefore, as for you, let that remain in you which you heard from the beginning. If that which you heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Son, and in the Father. 25 This is the promise which he promised us, the eternal life.
This is the third test that John puts forth to give you the confidence of knowing that you possess eternal life. The test: does what you heard from the beginning abide in you? If yes, you have the promise of eternal life. If not, you do not.
The key is here, if you confess the Son you have the Father. If you deny the Son, you do not have the Father. This goes along with 2:1.
We know that we have passed out of death into life because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.
This is a repeat of the second test. You can know that you have passed from death to life if you love the brethren. If not, you abide in death.
I have seen people who were active in Christian life, professed to be believers and then grow cold. They no longer have the same love for the brethren. Loving those who love Jesus is one of the commandments that God to us and it is a sign of what is going on inside of us.
While this verse does not specifically say that you can reject salvation, if you fail the test, repent and return to God.
1 John 3:23-24
23 This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he commanded. 24 He who keeps his commandments remains in him, and he in him. By this we know that he remains in us, by the Spirit which he gave us.
Test number one in chapter 2 verse 3 tells us that one of the tests is that we keep His commandments. Here are His (the Fathers) Commandments: That we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and that we love one another. It is spoken of in present tense. Do you now believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and do you now love one another? He does not ask what you did 10 years ago.
1 John 5:11-12
11 The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life.
This is the fourth test and it is a simple one. Do you have the Son, or don’t you. Again, it is present tense, not once believed but believe now.
1 John 5:13
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
People use this verse to prove that you have eternal life and present it as proof. However, that is not what it is saying. Let’s break it down and see what it does say.
First, it tells us who he is writing to. He’s not writing to unbelievers, he is writing to believers. To those who believe in the name of the Son of God.
Second he tells us of the tests that prove that you have eternal life. The tests are the things that he has written. The 4 tests are written earlier in the book. Again, the tests are: 1… Do you keep His(the Father’s) commandments. 3:23-24 explain the commandments and they are that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and that we love one another (other believers). Test 2 is in 2:10-11 and it is that we love the brethren. Test 3 is in 2:24 and it is that you abide in the Father and the Son. The proof of that is if the message that you heard from the beginning still abides in you. The last test is found in 5:12 and it is that you have the Son. All of these tests are present tense and mean that you need to pass them now.
2 John 8-11
8 Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.9 Whoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you, and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t receive him into your house, and don’t welcome him,11 for he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds.
Some very heavy verses here. First, do not lose what we have accomplished because if you have, you will not receive a full reward. If you can lose it, you must have had it before.
Anyone who goes too far… indicates that at one time you were not too far. If you have stopped abiding in the teachings of Christ, you do not have God but if you do abide in the teachings of Christ, you have both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching (which teaching? That if you go too far and stop abiding in the teachings of Christ, you neither have Christ or the Father) do not receive him into your house, don’t even give him a greeting or it will make you a partaker in his evil deeds.
The verses prior to this passage state that we should walk according to His commandments (v6) and that deceivers have gone out that do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has came in the flesh (v7). These deceivers are the antichrist. It may be that these teachings are the teachings referred to verse10 and not the fact that you can lose what we have accomplished and not have God. Either way, you can lose your full reward and can even go too far and not have God in your life.
Rev 3:11
11 I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.
Rev 21:7-8
7 He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers,idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
What does a coward do? He turns back. It does not mean he is without fear or sin because we all sin and God does not make bravery a test for eternal life. There is forgiveness for sin but the one who turns back does not ask for forgiveness. That is the essence of turning back. Consider Hebrews 10:38 But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him. The other sins listed are the ones that go un-confessed and un-forgiven.
Be one of those who overcome. Remember 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This is how Jesus keeps you from stumbling. Rely on Him and nothing else.
For I know who I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him until that day.
I've attempted to list below a good number of Bible verses written by the Apostle John on this topic. It is my belief that Christians need to abide and are not once saved always saved as you see by the comments that I've included.
Listing the verses by just one author is not the best method to present an argument but I did it because John is routinely quoted by proponents of once saved always saved doctrine.
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:
Becoming children of God, is future.
Check Romans 8:19 & 23-25
For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
23 Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees? 25 But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.
and 1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy became our father again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, 5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ—8 whom not having known you love; in whom, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory— 9 receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
John 3:18
18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.
Obey in this verse can be translated as believe. To me this verse reveals that believing is a continuing thing. If you stop believing you will receive the wrath of God. It does not say once believed and the rest of the verses in this post should make that very clear.
John 4:14
14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
If this was the only verse in the bible concerning eternal security, then one might think that eternal security is true since the word for drinks conveys the meaning of one drink. I think that is true, salvation starts with one drink. It does not take repeated salvations to get to heaven, God’s plan is for it to be one. Notice the word shall…that is future and it is God’s plan that salvation is a well that springs up to eternal life. We have shown several times that eternal life commences at the Judgments. It is God’s plan that every Christian, every person arrive at that place and receive eternal life. Sadly, most people do not and that includes some who turn back.
John 5: 24
24 “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
The word for believes here means to believe and continue believing. That is how it works, do not reject the belief you have in Christ and you won’t be at the great white throne judgment where the outcome is eternal hell.
John 6: 37-40 & 47 & 51 & 54 & 56 –58
37 All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 This is the will of my Father who sent me, that of all he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day. 40 This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
47 Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.
51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
54 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he who feeds on me, he will also live because of me. 58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven—not as our fathers ate the manna, and died. He who eats this bread will
live forever.”
At first read one would be certain that this passage is proof of eternal security. But this text does not actually teach that one bite of the bread gives you eternal life, it is eats. This becomes apparent when Jesus also says that the one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me. It is also apparent when He says it’s not as the fathers ate and He is meaning in the wilderness where they had manna. They did not eat just one time but all of their lives. It is not a one time taste, it is a lifetime of feasting. These comparisons indicates that it is a life-long eating. Those who do, are raised on the last day to eternal life. It is those who eat and abide.
The only argument that can really be raised from this passage that might support "once saved always saved" is that those who do not abide have never eaten and that is not true based upon many other bible passages I have included in this post.
Jesus says that whoever comes to Him, He will not cast out. That is a true statement. It does not say that a person who once eats will stay. The believer can leave but he will not be cast out.
Consider these passages in the book of Joshua: First Joshua 1: 5 & 9
5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.
9 Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Now consider these passages that the Lord spoke after Joshua’s army was defeated at AI. It is found in Joshua 7:11-12:
11 Israel has sinned. Yes, they have even transgressed my covenant which I commanded them. Yes, they have even taken some of the devoted things, and have also stolen, and also deceived. They have even put it among their own stuff. 12 Therefore the children of Israel can’t stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will not be with you any more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.
Did God lie because He said that He would never leave, and then He did? No, God did not lie. The sons of Israel left and that is still the situation.
John 8: 51
51 Most certainly, I tell you, if a person keeps my word, he will never see death.”
Here again the importance of abiding is stressed. It is keeps, not once kept. It is an on-going process and the result is never to see death. On that last day when people are sent to eternal life or eternal death and torment, those who keep His word will go into eternal life.
John 10 27-29
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
This is a key verse for those who hold to once saved always saved but I think that several misconceptions are made concerning these verses by that crowd.
The first one is that the sheep are not the ones that have once believed no matter what has transpired since that time, but He is talking about the sheep that follow Him. Check out the parable of the 99 sheep and see what happens when one wanders and what happens if they return.
The second misconception is that the (no one) that is talked about that can’t snatch them out of God’s hand includes that particular believer also. This is not true, their own free will is still in effect and they can reject, fall away, or throw away the salvation that they were freely given. See the parable of the soils and seeds. Also 1 Cor 15:2 and Col 1:23.
All through the Bible, disobedience or rejecting God has brought severe consequences. God made the world to last forever. We know that because a few days later He made a man who was supposed to live forever. He made the angels to live forever and He also created man to live forever. These lost their eternal life as a result of their own actions or in the case of the earth and for that matter, the universe because of the actions of man. Even after the 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth God will loose the devil so he can cause as many as will to reject Christ. Why would He do that? For 1000 years peace reigns and Jesus is visible on earth. It is because that is the way God works. These are true statements, to think that for some reason God would accept into heaven those who have believed and then rejected him flies in the face of this logic. It also goes against a myriad of Bible verses.
It is perfectly true that no one can snatch a person out of God’s hand. That’s why 2Peter 3:17 says to be on your guard less you fall from your own steadfastness. The NIV says from your secure place. If someone believes and later leaves, you can be sure it was not because God cast him out or someone snatched him out. That person left on his own choice.
John 13:8-10
8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!”
Jesus answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
10 Jesus said to him, “Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.”
This is in the upper room at the last supper. Peter doesn’t want Jesus to wash his feet but Jesus says that if He does not, then Peter will have no part with Him. Later He says that he who has bathed only needs to wash his feet.
1John 1:8
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Evangelists rightly tell us that one sin is all that is needed to keep us out of heaven. Thank God for v 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. What happens between the time that we sin and confess that we are sinners? 1John 2:1 We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. This is also the reason that the Lords prayer contains the line forgive us our depts. (trespasses).
It’s true that Jesus was demonstrating servitude and that the least among us will be the greatest but there was no reason for the explanation for the washing unless it pertained to daily cleansing from sin.
Incidentally, we don’t have to necessarily have to name each sin. It would be impossible to remember each one.
John 15: 2-6
2 Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
This takes place in the upper room at the last supper. 11 of the disciples are present, Judas has left to betray Jesus. I am the vine and you are the branches v5, every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away v2. and they gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.v6. Not a very rosy picture for those who do not abide in Christ. To abide is to stay and receive your strength from Christ v5.
Some say that this is not hell and that the person who does not abide and bear fruit is still saved and heading for eternal life. Those are the once saved always saved people and the verses that they point out that have this fire that is not hell are verses like this one pointing out the penalties of non belief. The claim that there is another fire at the end of the age that doesn’t lead to hell kind sounds a little like Purgatory.
John 20:31
31 but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
Believe and keep on believing, not once believed and if you have believed and kept on believing, then you may have life in His name. Otherwise, you may not.
1John 1:7
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.
John’s purpose for writing 1 John is so believers can know that they have eternal life. There are several tests throughout the book and by measuring yourself to the standards, you can see if you have eternal life or possibly the determination will be that you don’t. If there are standards to determine that you have eternal life, then failing to meet those standards will present a different conclusion. Here is 1John 5:13 explaining the purpose of the book. “These thing I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Notice that the book is written to those who believe in the name of the Son of God. That would be Christians. If once believed was the standard wouldn’t it say that? When talking to believers, why would you even insinuate that there is a question? The verse would say something like “Since you have believed when you heard, you have eternal life.” It would be a shorter book, there would be no other proof. He is not talking to those who have not believed or those who do not believe, but believers.
This is the first test…Do you walk in the light as He Himself is in the light? Do you have fellowship with one another? If so, the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses you from all sin. Do you, or don’t you?
The argument is made that this book is talking to Christians who do have eternal life because they once believed and it’s purpose is to give them the confidence that they have eternal life and spur them on to boldness. Well, you make that decision as we go through 1st and 2nd John.
1John 1:9-10
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
If, as some say, all our sins past, present, and future are forgiven at the time a believer firsts believes, why is this verse in the Bible? Why would you need forgiveness for any sin? Also, why would the Lord’s prayer contain the line “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”?
This entire book is written for believers, it’s not an outreach for the non believer, but it is an outreach to those who have left the faith.
When I talk to a person who has once believed but is no longer following Christ, I would not say “You’re OK, if you were once saved, no one can take that away from you.” I’ve seen this happen and the one being witnessed might leave determined to live closer to God but when the temptation arises again, those words “you were once saved and no one can take that away from you” will come back to them and they fall right back into the sin that had captured them before since they are OK.
1 John 2:1
My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.
It is not true that your sins past, present, and future are forgiven at the time you first believe. If you’re thinking that there is no hope because we all sin, and if a sin can keep us out of heaven, then who can make it. Here is the answer: Jesus our advocate makes petition before the Father on our behalf when we sin. As explained in James, it’s not sin that causes death, it’s when sin has completed its task and the sinner no longer turns to God in confession. It’s not that you need to remember every sin, we can’t do that, it’s that we remember that we are sinners and confess that to Christ.
Imagine what Jesus the Advocate would present before the Father when representing a believer who has denied Him. The answer is in Matthew 10.
1John 2:3-6
3 This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. 4 One who says, “I know him,” and doesn’t keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn’t in him. 5 But whoever keeps his word, God’s love has most certainly been perfected in him. This is how we know that we are in him: 6 he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked.
This is the second test that John gives so you can know that you have eternal life. Do you keep His commandments? Yes means Yes to eternal life, and No means No to eternal life. This is actually a test of the believer versus the non believer.
These passages are written to believers, or in this case those who were once believers. John calls them my little children in v1 and beloved in v7.
A side note: 1John 2:2 is a verse that to me disproves the “Limited Atonement” pillar of Calvanism. That pillar states that Christ died as a sacrifice for those who would place their faith in Him and for no one else. There is atonement for only those who would ultimately come to Him and no one else. Here is what the verse says: and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
1John 2: 9-11
9 He who says he is in the light and hates his brother, is in the darkness even until now. 10 He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
This is the second test that John puts forth to give you the confidence of knowing that you possess eternal life. That test is that you live your brothers in Christ. Not necessarily your biological brother, although, you should love him also. This test concerns your relationship with your family of believers.
Notice that the first person who hates his brother is in darkness until now and that the second person in this passage who hates his brother because the darkness has blinded his eyes; indicating that at one time he was in the light and could see.
If you have ever been around a person who has left the faith, you would probably notice that they do not have the same relationship with other Christians as they did while their faith was alive. Given enough time most will leave the church. This is not always the case because some will live a lie rather than risk someone confronting them. Which is exactly what should happen when a Christian brother becomes blinded.
1 John 2: 23-25
23 Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn’t have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.
24 Therefore, as for you, let that remain in you which you heard from the beginning. If that which you heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Son, and in the Father. 25 This is the promise which he promised us, the eternal life.
This is the third test that John puts forth to give you the confidence of knowing that you possess eternal life. The test: does what you heard from the beginning abide in you? If yes, you have the promise of eternal life. If not, you do not.
The key is here, if you confess the Son you have the Father. If you deny the Son, you do not have the Father. This goes along with 2:1.
We know that we have passed out of death into life because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.
This is a repeat of the second test. You can know that you have passed from death to life if you love the brethren. If not, you abide in death.
I have seen people who were active in Christian life, professed to be believers and then grow cold. They no longer have the same love for the brethren. Loving those who love Jesus is one of the commandments that God to us and it is a sign of what is going on inside of us.
While this verse does not specifically say that you can reject salvation, if you fail the test, repent and return to God.
1 John 3:23-24
23 This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he commanded. 24 He who keeps his commandments remains in him, and he in him. By this we know that he remains in us, by the Spirit which he gave us.
Test number one in chapter 2 verse 3 tells us that one of the tests is that we keep His commandments. Here are His (the Fathers) Commandments: That we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and that we love one another. It is spoken of in present tense. Do you now believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and do you now love one another? He does not ask what you did 10 years ago.
1 John 5:11-12
11 The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life.
This is the fourth test and it is a simple one. Do you have the Son, or don’t you. Again, it is present tense, not once believed but believe now.
1 John 5:13
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
People use this verse to prove that you have eternal life and present it as proof. However, that is not what it is saying. Let’s break it down and see what it does say.
First, it tells us who he is writing to. He’s not writing to unbelievers, he is writing to believers. To those who believe in the name of the Son of God.
Second he tells us of the tests that prove that you have eternal life. The tests are the things that he has written. The 4 tests are written earlier in the book. Again, the tests are: 1… Do you keep His(the Father’s) commandments. 3:23-24 explain the commandments and they are that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and that we love one another (other believers). Test 2 is in 2:10-11 and it is that we love the brethren. Test 3 is in 2:24 and it is that you abide in the Father and the Son. The proof of that is if the message that you heard from the beginning still abides in you. The last test is found in 5:12 and it is that you have the Son. All of these tests are present tense and mean that you need to pass them now.
2 John 8-11
8 Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.9 Whoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you, and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t receive him into your house, and don’t welcome him,11 for he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds.
Some very heavy verses here. First, do not lose what we have accomplished because if you have, you will not receive a full reward. If you can lose it, you must have had it before.
Anyone who goes too far… indicates that at one time you were not too far. If you have stopped abiding in the teachings of Christ, you do not have God but if you do abide in the teachings of Christ, you have both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching (which teaching? That if you go too far and stop abiding in the teachings of Christ, you neither have Christ or the Father) do not receive him into your house, don’t even give him a greeting or it will make you a partaker in his evil deeds.
The verses prior to this passage state that we should walk according to His commandments (v6) and that deceivers have gone out that do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has came in the flesh (v7). These deceivers are the antichrist. It may be that these teachings are the teachings referred to verse10 and not the fact that you can lose what we have accomplished and not have God. Either way, you can lose your full reward and can even go too far and not have God in your life.
Rev 3:11
11 I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.
Rev 21:7-8
7 He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers,idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
What does a coward do? He turns back. It does not mean he is without fear or sin because we all sin and God does not make bravery a test for eternal life. There is forgiveness for sin but the one who turns back does not ask for forgiveness. That is the essence of turning back. Consider Hebrews 10:38 But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him. The other sins listed are the ones that go un-confessed and un-forgiven.
Be one of those who overcome. Remember 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This is how Jesus keeps you from stumbling. Rely on Him and nothing else.
For I know who I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him until that day.
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