I received this Document from a friend in the Faith, Korey Ford, and my thanks goes out to him for it!
This Document will PROVE (Through Scripture) that this is nothing more than a lie from the Pit of Hell!!!
250 OR SO SCRIPTURE PROVING OSAS IS A LIE FROM HELL TELLING US WE MUST REPENT EVERYTIME WE SIN
Revelation 3
(to be part of this church you had to have been saved, baptized and Holy Spirit Filled, a true Christian)
King James Version (KJV)
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. (The Christians think they are living for Jesus, BUT they are backslidden)
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. (REPENT, Christians, as you are about to Spiritually DIE)
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. (If these Christians DONT Repent SOON, they will miss the Rapture)
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. (Only a FEW Christians are Repenting,and ready to be raptured, and live in Heaven )
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (OR IN OTHER WORDS HE WHO'S GARMENTS ARENT SPOTLESS OR DOES NOT OVERCOME, I WILL BLOT OUT HIS NAME FROM THE BOOK OF LIFE, AND DENY HIM BEFORE THE FATHER AND THE ANGELS))
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Revelation 21:27
King James Version (KJV)
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 2:5
King James Version (KJV)
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent
Rev 22:19
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book
Luke 24:47
King James Version (KJV)
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
James 4:17
King James Version (KJV)
17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
2 Timothy 2:12
King James Version (KJV)
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
James 5:19-20
King James Version (KJV)
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Romans 8:13
King James Version (KJV)
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Galatians 5:19-21
King James Version (KJV)
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 6:7-9
King James Version (KJV)
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
James 1:14-16
King James Version (KJV)
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
John 8:51
King James Version (KJV)
51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
John 11:25-26
King James Version (KJV)
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth (CONTINUOUS TENSE) in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Revelation 2:10,11
King James Version (KJV)
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Galatians 4:9-11
King James Version (KJV)
9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
Luke 15:24
King James Version (KJV)
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Revelation 21:8
King James Version (KJV)
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
1 Timothy 5:6
King James Version (KJV)
6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
Ezekiel 33:18
King James Version (KJV)
18 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.
Ezekiel 33:13
King James Version (KJV)
13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.
Ezekiel 18:26
King James Version (KJV)
26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.
Ezekiel 3:20
King James Version (KJV)
20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
1 Peter 2:16
King James Version (KJV)
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
Galatians 5:13
King James Version (KJV)
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Galatians 5:1
King James Version (KJV)
5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage
1 John 5:3
King James Version (KJV)
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
John 14:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
James 2:5
King James Version (KJV)
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
1 John 1:9
King James Version (KJV)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
King James Version (KJV)
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Ephesians 5:5-7
King James Version (KJV)
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Romans 11:19-23
King James Version (KJV)
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.
1 Timothy 1:19
King James Version (KJV)
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck
Galatians 5:2-4
King James Version (KJV)
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
2 Peter 2:20-22
King James Version (KJV)
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Romans 2:7
King James Version (KJV)
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life
Titus 3:7
King James Version (KJV)
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Hebrews 6:4-8
King James Version (KJV)
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
1 Timothy 5:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
2 Peter 1:10
King James Version (KJV)
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall
Luke 12:35
King James Version (KJV)
35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning
John 12:25
King James Version (KJV)
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
James 1:27
King James Version (KJV)
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world
Jude 1:21
King James Version (KJV)
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
John 5:21
King James Version (KJV)
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen
1 Timothy 5:22
King James Version (KJV)
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
John 10:27-29
King James Version (KJV)
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow (CONTINUOUS TENSE) me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Matthew 10:22
King James Version (KJV)
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Hebrews 3:12-14
King James Version (KJV)
12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
Colossians 1:22
King James Version (KJV)
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight
1 Corinthians 15:2
King James Version (KJV)
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
Psalm 32:5
King James Version (KJV)
5 I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah
1 Timothy 1:5,6
King James Version (KJV)
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
Proverbs 10:29
King James Version (KJV)
29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
1 Peter 3:12
King James Version (KJV)
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
Matthew 13:41.42
King James Version (KJV)
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth
John 5:29
King James Version (KJV)
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
1 John 3:7
King James Version (KJV)
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1 John 3:10
King James Version (KJV)
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Malachi 2:17
King James Version (KJV)
17 Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?
1 Peter 5:8
King James Version (KJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour
Luke 12:45-46
King James Version (KJV)
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers
John 15:6
King James Version (KJV)
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
King James Version (KJV)
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1 Corinthians 9:27
King James Version (KJV)
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
2 Thessalonians 2: 1-3
King James Version (KJV)
2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
1 Timothy 3:6-7
King James Version (KJV)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 4:1
King James Version (KJV)
4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Timothy 5:12
King James Version (KJV)
12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith
1 Timothy 5:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Hebrews 10:38
King James Version (KJV)
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Hebrews 12:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
2 Peter 2:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness
Revelation 3:16
King James Version (KJV)
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:2
King James Version (KJV)
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Matthew 7:21
King James Version (KJV)
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Hebrews 10:26-29
King James Version (KJV)
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
James 1:14-16
King James Version (KJV)
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
2 Peter 1:9
King James Version (KJV)
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his (OLD) sins.
2 Corinthians 7:1
King James Version (KJV)
7 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
1 John 3:2-3
King James Version (KJV)
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Matthew 5:28
King James Version (KJV)
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Matthew 6:14-15
King James Version (KJV)
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
James 5:14-15
King James Version (KJV)
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
2 Peter 3:14
King James Version (KJV)
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Luke 13:24
King James Version (KJV)
24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Ephesians 5:3-4
King James Version (KJV)
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Colossians 3:5-9
King James Version (KJV)
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
King James Version (KJV)
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Philippians 4:9
King James Version (KJV)
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
1 Thessalonians 2:10
King James Version (KJV)
10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
Luke 9:62
King James Version (KJV)
62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Galatians 4:9
King James Version (KJV)
9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Examining OSAS Proof-Texts [Pt.2]
January 31, 2011
The purpose of this post is to examine the Scriptures that are used to support OSAS to see whether they teach unconditional eternal security or not. The majority of OSAS interpretations are from Norman Geisler, in his Systematic Theology, Vol. 3.
Proof text #1:
Job 19:25-26:
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.”
Geisler says of this verse:
“Job was certain of two things: (1) that his Redeemer lived, and (2) that he would one day see God in his flesh (affirming resurrection). In other words, Job had present knowledge that he had been redeemed (‘my Redeemer’) and that he would see Him in his heavenly resurrected body: I ‘know’ (now) that I ‘will see God’ (later, in heaven). Such knowledge implies his assurance of eternal security.”[1]
The reason that this verse shouldn’t really be used as a proof text of OSAS is this: just as easily as Geisler asserts that it proves OSAS, one could assert that it proves conditional eternal security. Remember, Job was described as a one of a kind, blameless, upright man, by none other than God Himself (1:8), and through his sufferings, Job did not sin, nor did he accuse God of any wrongdoing (1:22). Furthermore, if one wants to see God, there is a condition which must be met: holiness (Heb. 12:14).
So again, just as easily as it is asserted that this verse proves OSAS, a case could be made asserting that Job could have such assurance only because of his holiness and continual faith in God.
Verdict: Job 19:25-26 does not prove OSAS.
Proof Text #2:
Ecclesiastes 3:14:
“I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.”
Geisler says of this verse:
“Scripture’s application of this principle to salvation (cf. Eph. 1:4) results in the doctrine of eternal security. If what God does is forever, and if salvation is a work of God (Jonah 2:10), then salvation is forever. If salvation can be lost, then it is not forever. Therefore, salvation cannot be lost.”[2]
The error of this statement is assuming that the verse is teaching that God does not cease any action that He starts.
Using Geisler’s logic, then, I can ‘prove’ that God’s act of creating the world is never-ending:
Premise #1: What God does is forever (Eccl. 3:14).
Premise #2: Creation is a work of God (Gen. 2:2).
Conclusion: Therefore, God’s work of creation is forever (in direct contradiction to Genesis 2:2).
The fallacy of such logic is taking the phrase ‘whatever God does endures forever’, divorcing it from its context, and then applying it to a completely different subject (In Geisler’s case, salvation; by way of analogy, creation). With that in mind, does whatever God do endure forever? Well, yes…but only within the context of the passage in which the phrase appears. In the context of Ecclesiastes 3:9-15, all that is being taught is that God has given the business of toil to mankind (v. 10), and has put eternity in the hearts of mankind (v. 11). Verse 14 simply means that this is the way that God has made things, and there is nothing that we can do to change it (‘nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it’). It is not teaching that God does not cease any action He commissions. If such was the case, we are left with absurd conclusions. For example:
⦁ God would be creating the world forever, contradicting Genesis 2:2;
⦁ God would be striving with man forever, contradicting Genesis 6:3;
⦁ He would be commanding all men everywhere to repent and offering salvation to whosoever will forever, thus making Acts 17:30-31 devoid of any meaning;
⦁ He would be telling people to seek Him forever, thus making Isaiah 55:6 devoid of any meaning.
Verdict: Ecclesiastes 3:14 does not prove OSAS. Geisler’s use of it leads to Scriptural absurdity.
Proof text #3:
John 3:15:
“That whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”
GotQuestions.org says of this verse:
“John 3:15 states that whoever believes in Jesus Christ will “have eternal life.” If you believe in Christ today and have eternal life, but lose it tomorrow, then it was never “eternal” at all. Hence if you lose your salvation, the promises of eternal life in the Bible would be in error.”[3]
There are two flaws in this reasoning:
The problem with using this as a proof text for OSAS is the assumption that ‘eternal life’ is the inalienable property of the believer. Such is not the case: the same apostle who recorded these words of Jesus also wrote that “God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:11-12; cf. John 1:4; 5:26; 6:35; 11:25; 14:6; Col. 3:3-4; 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 John 1:2) This makes it clear that eternal life is the inalienable property of Jesus Christ, not the believer; the believer can only share in this blessing as long as he is in Christ. It should also be noted that John 3:15 does not say anything about whether it is possible to get ‘out of Christ’ and thus forfeit eternal life (which means that the verse by itself does not come close to proving OSAS), but later in the same gospel, Jesus makes it clear that it is, in fact, possible for a branch to stop abiding in Christ (John 15:1-6).
The second flaw is in GotQuestions.org’s view of eternal life. They said, “If you believe in Christ today and have eternal life, but lose it tomorrow, then it was never “eternal” at all” (emphasis added). But this does not follow. Think of it like this: someone gives you the gift of an eternal jewel, but you then go and lose it, or throw it away. In this scenario, has the jewels eternality changed? No, you’ve simply lost possession of it. It makes no sense whatsoever to think that because you lost the eternal jewel, that it was never an eternal jewel to begin with. And so it is with eternal life – if someone were to lose it, it would in no way affect the eternality of the life. It would just mean that such a person is no longer is in possession of eternal life.
Verdict: John 3:15 by itself does not prove OSAS, and GotQuestions.org’s logic behind the use of it receives a big, fat ‘FAIL’.
Proof text #4:
John 3:18:
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
Geisler says:
“The plain sense of this text is that if one believes now, he is not condemned (lost) now and will not be condemned later (cf. Rom. 8:1).”[4]
If Geisler was to have just said, ‘the plain sense of this text is that if one believes now, he is not condemned (lost) now’, I would have no problem with it. But I believe he is unjustified in motivating the sentence further by adding ‘and will not be condemned later (cf. Rom. 8:1).’ There are four reasons why I believe he is not justified in adding the last portion:
The text does not say it. The text does not say, ‘Whoever once believed in him is assured of never being condemned.’ It says, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned…” But that raises the question – why aren’t those who believe condemned? The answer is: because through the sacrifice of Christ, their sins have been forgiven. But that raises another question – what sins are forgiven? Past sins? Present sins? Future sins? The Scriptures are clear: only past sins that have been repented of are forgiven (cf. Luke 13:3, 5; 17:3-4; Acts 2:38; 3:19; Rom. 3:21-25; 2 Pet. 1:9; 1 John 1:9; 2:1-2). The promise of not being condemned is conditioned upon belief, and is applicable only for past sins, not present ones that haven’t been confessed, nor future ones.
The context does not demand it. There is nothing in the context of the passage that demands that it be interpreted to mean that one act of faith unconditionally assures someone of never being able to resume a state of condemnation. In fact, other Scriptures (Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 11:32; Jas 5:12) indicate that there is a possibility of believers falling under condemnation, via sin, of course.
The logical conclusion of such a belief is the same lie that Satan told Eve: that even if you sin, ‘you will not surely die.’ Geisler said, “…if one believes now, he…will not be condemned later.” Au contraire, the Scriptures say that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23), and what’s more, that was written to believers! Even for the believer, the wages of sin is still death. It would appear that the apostle Paul didn’t believe OSAS.
Citing Romans 8:1 as proof of OSAS is logically fallacious. Romans 8:1 says:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
The reason that using this verse to support OSAS is fallacious is because it commits the logical fallacy of begging the question. That is, it already assumes the truth of OSAS, in order to prove OSAS. So when someone uses Rom. 8:1 to prove OSAS, they have to assume ‘Once in Christ Jesus, Always in Christ Jesus’, which is the very point in question.
Verdict: John 3:18 does not prove OSAS. At best, it is inconclusive.
Proof text #5:
John 5:24:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.”
It is said of this verse:
“…those who truly believe now can be certain now that they will be in Heaven later. Everlasting life is a present possession the moment one believes, and this assures he will never be condemned.”[5]
The problem with using this to prove OSAS is the assumption that it is a one-off act of faith that assures one of not being brought into condemnation. But is it valid to interpret the hearing and believing as a one-off act instead of a continual act of hearing and believing? Consider this example:
If I was to tell someone, ‘He who breathes has life’, should they take it to mean that one act of breathing assures them of staying alive? Of course not…the phrase ‘he who breathes has life’ has the notion of continual breathing.
And so it is with John 5:24. The phrase ‘whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life’ has the notion of continual hearing and believing. That is why Jesus, in chapter 15, exhorts the branches (believers) to keep abiding in the Vine (Christ). The Scriptures give no assurance to those who believed in Christ once, or abided in Christ once; the assurance is given to those who continue believing and abiding (Rom. 11:22; Col. 1:21-23; 1 Tim. 4:7-11).
Verdict: John 5:24 does not prove OSAS.
Proof text #6:
John 6:37:
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”
Geisler says:
“Not only is everyone who comes saved, but everyone who is saved is saved permanently! God’s gift is a forever salvation.”[6]
The problem with using this verse as a proof text for OSAS is that neither the text itself, nor the surrounding context, demands an interpretation supporting OSAS. The simple meaning is this: whoever comes to Christ in faith will not be rejected. That’s all. Albert Barnes says it well in his commentary:
“This expression does not refer to the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, but to the fact that Jesus will not reject or refuse any sinner who comes to him.”[7]
The context is conversion, not eternal security.
Verdict: John 6:37 does not prove OSAS.
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If a Person Can Lose Their Salvation, Is it Unreasonable to Assume That God Would Regenerate That Person in the First Place?
April 26, 20111 Comment
Under the section, The Theological Basis for Eternal Security, and under the heading God Has Infallible Foreknowledge, Norman Geisler writes:
“Both Calvinists and traditional (classical) Arminians agree that God has infallible foreknowledge (cf. Isa. 46:10). If this is correct, it seems unreasonable to assume (as Wesleyans do) that God regenerated people He knows will not persevere. The idea that God starts what He does not finish is contrary to His knowable character and recorded works.” (Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, p. 315.)
But this is simply ridiculous. Consider the following:
Rom. 11:20-22
“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. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.”
1 Cor. 10:1-6
“For I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.”
Hebrews 4:6-11
“Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”
Hebrews 12:25
“See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.”
Jude 1:3-21
“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day–just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
__________________________
Using Geisler’s logic, we would have to conclude that it is “unreasonable to assume” that God would deliver the Israelites when He infallibly foreknew that many would fall. Yet the Scriptures are quite clear: God (who has infallible foreknowledge) did deliver the Israelites, despite the fact that He foreknew that many who would be delivered and hear the good news would nonetheless fall.
As all the above passages make clear, the Israelites salvation out of the land of Egypt is analogous to our salvation:
“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. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off … (Rom. 11:20-22)
Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did … (1 Cor. 10:1-6)
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience … (Heb. 4:6-11)
See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven … (Heb. 12:25)
Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe…But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” (Jude 3-21)
It is therefore not unreasonable, as Geisler would have us believe, to believe that God will regenerate someone, despite the possibility that they will later apostatize (an apostasy which God would infallibly foreknow).
Filed under Apostasy, Eternal Security, OSAS, Perseverance of the Saints
Examining OSAS Proof Texts [Pt.5]
April 23, 2011
The last of the OSAS proof texts:
Proof text #24:
2 Timothy 1:12:
“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.” (ESV)
Geisler says:
“Paul proclaimed: ‘I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.’ Since our salvation does not depend on our faithfulness but on God’s (2 Tim. 2:13), our perseverance is assured. Hence, we can know that we will be glorified later, when He returns.” [1]
This is not a good proof text for OSAS, as there a wide variety of opinions as to what the verse means. For example, the ESV renders the last part as “what has been entrusted to me”, while the KJV renders it as “which I have committed unto him against that day”. So in different translations, it is Paul who has had something entrusted to him, and in others, it is God. And in yet more translations, the rendering is simply “my deposit”, with no reference as to whom the deposit was entrusted.
This passage, when compared to other Scriptures, seems to be teaching that Paul has complete confidence in God to keep him strong and faithful to his calling as a preacher, apostle, and teacher, of the Gospel (2 Tim. 1:11; cf. 1 Tim. 2:7; Titus 1:3), viz., what has been entrusted to him. This is the same thing as that which Paul had committed to Timothy (2 Tim. 1:14), that he might teach others (1 Tim. 6:20), and then entrust the same deposit to others still (2 Tim. 2:2). This deposit was the Gospel to which Paul had been appointed, and what had been entrusted to him (1 Tim. 1:11; Titus 1:3; cf. 1 Cor. 9:17, Gal. 2:7, and 1 Thes. 2:4).
Thus, there is good reason to believe that Paul is speaking about the Gospel, to which he had been appointed, rather than eternal security.
Verdict: 2 Timothy 1:12 does not prove OSAS.
Proof text #25:
2 Timothy 2:13:
“if we are faithless, he remains faithful– for he cannot deny himself.” (ESV)
This verse is usually quoted with little or no commentary, as the verse by itself appears to support the notion that even if we are without faith (i.e., unbelieving), God will still give us eternal life. But what OSAS proponents fail to do is consider the surrounding verses, and it’s obvious as to why they do this, as the surrounding text contains two statements against the doctrine of OSAS. The verse immediately prior, verse 12, says:
“if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;” (2 Tim. 2:12, ESV)
The first statement, if we endure, we will also reign with him has the obvious implication that if we don’t endure, we will not reign with him. And the second statement if we deny him, he also will deny us is a pretty clear statement meaning exactly that.
But all that aside, it’s important to notice what the OSAS proof text doesn’t say, viz., it does not say that God remains faithful to the faithless person; it simply says that God remains faithful. But that begs the question, To whom does God remain faithful? The very verse in question answers… “for he cannot deny himself”. So it seems reasonable to conclude that God remains faithful to Himself. So if a believer becomes an unbeliever, God will remain faithful to his promises to punish the unbeliever. For example:
Ezekiel 18:26 - “When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done he shall die.”
Romans 11:20-22 - “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. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.”
God remains faithful; He will not break His promises.
Verdict: 2 Timothy 2:13 does not prove OSAS.
Proof text #26:
2 Timothy 4:18
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (ESV)
Geisler says:
“This assurance would not be possible if a believer could lose his salvation. How else could Paul possess the Spirit-inspired conviction that he would one day be with the Lord? Scripture promises that God will preserve all believers (Phil. 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5).” [2]
This point was dealt with in regards to Proof text #16. This is what I said:
The problem with this is the assumption that having a present assurance is exclusive to OSAS. Conditional securists don’t deny that believers can have a present assurance. But what the views of conditional security and unconditional security differ on is how the present assurance is obtained. Unconditional security (OSAS) teaches that just one moment of faith is enough to assure someone, whereas conditional security teaches that present assurance is rooted in continual faith and godliness.
For example:
a) Psalm 31:23 gives present assurance of being preserved by God, but this assurance is only promised to the faithful;
b) John 10:27-29 gives the present assurance of not being able to be snatched out of both Christ’s hand, and the Father’s hand. But this present assurance is only given to the sheep – those who are hearing and following Christ;
c) Colossians 1:21-23 gives present assurance of being presented holy and blameless before God, but the assurance is promised on the condition of an unswerving continuance in the faith.
I think the verses that say it best are Romans 11:22 and 1 Tim. 4:7-10:
“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.” (Romans 11:22)
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” (1 Tim. 4:7-10)
Yes, a believer can have present assurance…but that present assurance comes from continuing in the faith, not from one moment of faith.
Therefore, Geisler’s appeal to the fact that believers can possess a present assurance (as proof that Unconditional Eternal Security is true) misses the mark.
And what’s more, Geisler actually ignores the context of the entire passage of 2 Timothy chapter 4. In verse 6, Paul confesses that his time of departure had come, viz., he knew that he was going to die fairly soon:
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” (2 Tim. 4:6)
And then in the next two verses, Paul says:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
It’s the word henceforth at the start of verse 8 that is the key. Paul is at the end of life, looking back on his life of faith. He is stating that his assurance is based upon the fact that he has finished the race, and kept the faith. This ties in beautifully with the Conditional Securist’s teaching that believers can indeed have a present assurance, but that assurance comes from continuing in the faith, and not one moment of faith.
Verdict: 2 Timothy 4:18 does not prove OSAS.
Proof text #27:
Hebrews 10:14
“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” (ESV)
Geisler says:
“According to this passage, the one-time self-offering of Christ eternally secured the salvation of the elect. Since this certainty was obtained by the Cross, almost two thousand years before we were even born, it follows that any true believer can be assured now that he will be in heaven later. He is as perfect now, dressed in Christ’s righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21), as he will ever be or needs to be for glorification in God’s kingdom.” [3]
According to Geisler’s view, believers enter irrevocably into a state of perfection. So what happens to that irrevocable state of perfection when a believer sins? It doesn’t take a huge stretch of the imagination to figure out that if believers enter into an irrevocable state of perfection, then those believers have a license to sin.
And what’s more, Geisler asserts that this irrevocable state of perfection was obtained around two thousand years ago, at the Cross. But just a quick look at three Old Testament foreshadows of Christ prove this view to be folly:
The Passover Lamb (Ex. 12): None of the firstborn children were saved at the moment that the passover lamb died. It was only after God saw that the people of Israel had applied the blood to their doorposts that He passed over them.
The Serpent in the Wilderness (Num. 21): None of the people of Israel were healed at the moment that Moses set the bronze serpent on the pole. God miraculously healed them only after they looked up at the serpent in faith.
The Cities of Refuge (Num. 35): No manslayer was made safe from the moment that the six cities of refuge were built. They were saved only after they had entered into the city of refuge.
And so it is with Christ, our Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7), our Serpent in the Wilderness (John 3:14), our City of Refuge (Heb. 6:18). No one is saved until Christ’s blood is applied by faith; no one is saved until they look to Him in faith; no one is saved until they flee to Him for refuge. [4]
Think of the implications if we did indeed enter into an irrevocable state of perfection almost two thousand years ago. Ephesians 2 describes mankind’s natural state as being “sons of disobedience… by nature children of wrath” (Eph. 2:2-3). If we entered into an irrevocable state of perfection almost two thousand years ago, then (regardless of the fact that we weren’t around two thousand years ago) we have always been saved, viz., there was never a point in our lives when we weren’t saved. And if there was never a point in our lives when we weren’t saved, then we were never sons of disobedience; we were never by nature children of wrath. We were never in a state of condemnation, even while in unbelief. We never passed from death to life. And if there was never a point in our lives when we weren’t saved, then there is no need for repentance and faith in God.
For a more in-depth study of Hebrews 10:10-14, see here (Link)
Verdict: Hebrews 10:14 does not prove OSAS.
Proof text #28:
Hebrews 12:2
“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.” (ESV)
Geisler says:
“God is both the Creator and the ‘finisher’ (KJV) of our saving belief. He begins it, and He completes it (Phil. 1:6). Indeed, what the author of Hebrews calls ‘eternal redemption’ (9:12) could not be everlasting if it were potentially temporal and if a person could lose it.” [5]
Philippians 1:6 has already been dealt with (Proof text #21), so I won’t revisit it here. Concerning the citation of Hebrews 9:12, the phrase eternal redemption does not refer specifically to the believer’s possession of it. The writer to the Hebrews is contrasting the blood of animals (which needed to be offered repeatedly) to the blood of Christ (which only needed to be offered once). Thus, the phrase is referring to the nature of Christ’s sacrifice, viz., no sacrifice other than Christ’s is needed, and its merit and efficacy is good for all time.
Concerning the statement that Christ is the ‘author and finisher’ of our faith, there is a valid interpretation that does not require a belief in OSAS:
“The author and finisher of our faith – The word “our” is not in the original here, and obscures the sense. The meaning is, he is the first and the last as an example of faith or of confidence in God – occupying in this, as in all other things, the pre-eminence, and being the most complete model that can be placed before us. The apostle had not enumerated him among those who had been distinguished for their faith, but he now refers to him as above them all; as a case that deserved to stand by itself. It is probable that there is a continuance here of the allusion to the Grecian games which the apostle had commenced in the previous verse. The word “author” – ἀρχηγὸν archēgon – (marg. beginner) – means properly the source, or cause of anything; or one who makes a beginning. It is rendered in Act_3:15; Act_5:31, “Prince”; in Heb_2:10, “Captain”; and in the place before us, “Author.”
It does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. The phrase “the beginner of faith,” or the leader on of faith, would express the idea. He is at the head of all those who have furnished an example of confidence in God, for he was himself the most illustrious instance of it. The expression, then, does not mean properly that he produces faith in us, or that we believe because he causes us to believe – whatever may be the truth about that – but that he stands at the head as the most eminent example that can be referred to on the subject of faith. We are exhorted to look to him, as if at the Grecian games there was one who stood before the racer who had previously carried away every palm of victory; who had always been triumphant, and with whom there was no one who could be compared. The word “finisher” – τελειωτὴν teleiōtēn – corresponds in meaning with the word “author.” It means that he is the completer as well as the beginner; the last as well as the first.
As there has been no one hitherto who could be compared with him, so there will be no one hereafter; compare Rev_1:8, Rev_1:11. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last.” The word does not mean that he was the “finisher” of faith in the sense that he makes our faith complete or perfects it – whatever may be true about that – but that he occupies this elevated position of being beyond comparison above all others. Alike in the commencement and the close, in the beginning of faith, and in its ending, he stands pre-eminent. To this illustrious model we should look – as a racer would on one who had been always so successful that he surpassed all competitors and rivals.” [Albert Barnes, Commentary on Hebrews 12:2, available on e-Sword]
Verdict: Hebrews 12:2 does not prove OSAS.
Proof text #29:
1 Peter 1:5
“who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (ESV)
Geisler says:
“Peter speaks of those ‘who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.’ Once a man places his faith in Christ, he is protected by God’s strength until he reaches heaven. Since God is omnipotent, it follows that nothing can penetrate this divine safeguard. Of course, this salvation is accomplished ‘through faith,’ which is strengthened by God’s grace and assured in advance by His foreknowledge that it will come to pass (1 Peter 1:2).” [6]
This verse means exactly what it says. We are only guarded by God’s power through faith. There’s nothing unconditional about it. It’s an obvious implication of this verse that if there is no faith, then there is no guarding. This verse better illustrates the position of Conditional Security, rather than Unconditional Security (OSAS).
Verdict: 1 Peter 1:5 does not prove OSAS.
Proof text #30:
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.” (ESV)
Geisler doesn’t cite this verse as a proof text, but it is actually one of the most common ones I’ve seen. It is alleged that this verse proves that anyone who ever departs from the faith was, in actuality, never in the faith to begin with. There are two possible interpretations of this verse:
1. These antichrists were antichrists from the beginning, and were never saved at all, as evidenced by their departure.
Even if we hold to this interpretation, there is no Scriptural warrant to make a universal application outside of this specific scenario. The plain truth is, the verse doesn’t say, either explicitly or implicitly, that believers cannot fall away. It simply says that certain antichrists departed from the Church, and were not of them. It doesn’t even say that these antichrists were never of them, but simply were not of them. To posit from this verse that all believers will infallibly persevere, and that no true believers can fall away is to go beyond what is written. Such cannot proved from the text itself.
2. The second interpretation asserts that the antichrists who departed from the assembly of believers were not of one mind with, or were not in sympathy (“were not of us”) with, the assembly of believers at the time of their departure.
This is a valid interpretation, because, as I pointed out above, the text itself does not say that these antichrists were never of one mind with the assembly of believers.
Regardless of which interpretation we choose, neither one proves OSAS.
Verdict: 1 John 2:19 does not prove OSAS.
Proof text #31:
1 John 5:13
“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.” (ESV)
Geisler writes:
“Present knowledge of unending life in Christ is assurance of one’s eternal security.” [7]
But this again assumes that present assurance is exclusive to OSAS. This point was dealt with in regards to proof texts #16 and #26. This is what I said:
The problem with this is the assumption that having a present assurance is exclusive to OSAS. Conditional securists don’t deny that believers can have a present assurance. But what the views of conditional security and unconditional security differ on is how the present assurance is obtained. Unconditional security (OSAS) teaches that just one moment of faith is enough to assure someone, whereas conditional security teaches that present assurance is rooted in continual faith and godliness.
For example:
a) Psalm 31:23 gives present assurance of being preserved by God, but this assurance is only promised to the faithful;
b) John 10:27-29 gives the present assurance of not being able to be snatched out of both Christ’s hand, and the Father’s hand. But this present assurance is only given to the sheep – those who are hearing and following Christ;
c) Colossians 1:21-23 gives present assurance of being presented holy and blameless before God, but the assurance is promised on the condition of an unswerving continuance in the faith.
I think the verses that say it best are Romans 11:22 and 1 Tim. 4:7-10:
“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.” (Romans 11:22)
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” (1 Tim. 4:7-10)
Yes, a believer can have present assurance … but that present assurance comes from continuing in the faith, not from one moment of faith.
Therefore, Geisler’s appeal to the fact that believers can possess a present assurance (as proof that Unconditional Eternal Security is true) misses the mark.
Verdict: 1 John 5:13 does not prove OSAS.
Proof text #32:
Jude 1-2
“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” (ESV)
Geisler says:
“Not only are the ‘beloved’ (v.3) believers ‘preserved’ in Christ, but they are also already ‘sanctified’ (‘set apart’) by the Lord.” [8]
It’s hard to know what Geisler’s actual point is here. If you actually read Jude’s epistle, you’ll find that he wasn’t writing to the saints to assure them of their supposed eternal security; his motivation for writing was to appeal to the saints to contend for the faith (verse 3). Jude then reminds us of the Israelites, who were saved (delivered) out of the land of Egypt, but many were afterwards destroyed because of their unbelief (verse 5).
So Jude’s train of thought is this:
1. Appealing to the saints to contend for the faith (v.3). Why? Because no one will be presented blameless and holy before God who hasn’t first continued stable and steadfast in the faith (Col. 1:21-23).
2. Reminder that those who had once been delivered had afterwards been destroyed (v.5); perhaps the Israelites got a little presumptuous, and started believing ‘Once Delivered, Always Delivered’.
3. An appeal to keep ourselves in the love of God (v.21). Why? Because unless we keep oursleves in the love of God, we will become unbelievers, and thus, be cut off from God’s people, and come under God’s severe judgment (Rom. 11:17-22).
So putting the pieces together, it would appear that Jude did not believe ‘Once Saved, Always Saved’.
Verdict: Jude 1-2 does not prove OSAS.
Proof text #33:
Jude 24-25
“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, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”(ESV)
Geisler writes:
“Whatever warnings the Bible may give about the potential for our falling, we are assured that a true believer will experience no failure that will involve the loss of heaven. An all-powerful God is able to prevent it!” [9]
It’s hard to believe the pathetic lengths that Geisler goes to, to prove his doctrine of OSAS. The verse in question simply says that God is able to keep us from falling, nothing else. Does the fact that an all-powerful God is able to prevent earthquakes mean that an earthquake will never occur?!
Jude 24 says that God is able to keep us from falling, and to present us blameless before His glorious presence. It does not make any promise that God will keep an unfaithful person. In fact, no one will be presented blameless before God’s presence who hasn’t first continued in the faith (Col. 1:21-23), nor will anyone but the faithful be preserved by God (Ps. 31:23; 2 Tim. 2:12-13).
Verdict: Jude 24-25 does not prove OSAS.
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Proof text #34:
Revelation 3:5
“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.” (ESV)
Geisler says:
“Jesus said of the believer, ‘Iwill never blot out his name from the book of life.’ This being the case, there is no fear of losing salvation once we receive it. Indeed, as we have seen, the names of the saved were written there from eternity (Rev. 13:8). Further, it is God who before the dawning of time wrote (and will never erase) the names of the elect in the Book of Life. No one whose name is contained had done anything to either gain or lose salvation, and the Lord knows the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:10). In His omniscient foreknowledge, God knew about every sin that the elect would commit after salvation, yet He eternally secured them anyway. He knew they would persevere in their faith.” [10]
The problem is, however, that this verse doesn’t say what Geisler says it does. The promise of not having one’s name blotted out of the Book of Life is given to those who conquer, or overcome, or are victorious (depending on what translation you use). Just as being presented holy and blameless before God’s presence is conditioned upon a steadfast continuance in the faith (Col. 1:21-23), so the condition for keeping one’s name in the Book of Life is conditioned upon overcoming the world and sin, with the obvious implication that if someone doesn’t conquer, their name will be blotted out.
Also, take a look at what the verse doesn’t say: it doesn’t say that all those who had once believed are infallibly assured of becoming overcomers. Thus, to use this verse as a proof text for OSAS, one will need to already assume that OSAS is true.
Granted, the Bible does not specifically state that a person’s name can be blotted out of the book of life; neither does it specifically state that a name cannot be blotted out. But I believe that there is enough information in the Scriptures to conclude that a person’s name can in fact be blotted out of the book of life.
GotQuestions.org equates being blotted out of the book of life with the loss of salvation [11], which makes the question ‘Can a name be blotted out of the book of life?’ the same as asking, ‘Can a person lose salvation?’
The answer to that, I believe, has been sufficiently answered (cf. Matt. 18:21-35; John 15:1-6; Rom. 11:17-22, etc.).
Verdict: Revelation 3:5 does not prove OSAS.