People everywhere share a common struggle: insecurity.
In the workplace, countless employees have heard the painful words that they are no longer needed. Others have sat across from a doctor who says, "We have your scan, and the news is not good." Some have experienced the heartbreak of a spouse saying, "I am leaving."
Add to this the uncertainty that surrounds politics, economics, and world events, and it is no wonder that so many people live with a persistent sense of insecurity.
These painful realities leave our minds racing and our hearts unsettled. None of them should be minimized. Yet beyond every earthly concern lies a question of eternal significance:
Can a person have security with God?
Can we be saved and know beyond any shadow of doubt that we are saved?
Perhaps, like me, you grew up hearing that once we are saved, we stay saved. Yet while many people claim confidence about their eternal destiny, they often struggle to explain the basis for that confidence.
This blog is the first in a series addressing the question of eternal security. Rather than simply repeating a familiar phrase, we will carefully examine what Scripture teaches.
Many years ago, as a young pastor, I came to a sobering realization: I cannot afford to get this question wrong. There is room for disagreement on many theological issues. But if we misunderstand this subject, we risk affecting the eternal destiny of those we influence.
In this blog, we will answer three questions:
- What is the security of believers?
- Where do we find this teaching in Scripture?
- Why is this significant?
What Is the Security of Believers?
I offer two definitions:
“Eternal security is that work of God which guarantees that the gift of salvation, once received, is possessed forever and cannot be lost.”
“Assurance of salvation is a God given awareness that He has accepted the death of Christ on your behalf and forgiven you of your sins.”
But is this really possible?
Can we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are going to heaven? Can we move from a "hope so" religion to a "know so" faith? Is it possible to live with confidence rather than uncertainty concerning our eternal destiny?
Another question naturally follows. Does eternal security mean that after becoming a Christian, I can commit any sin and still go to heaven? If there are limits to what a believer can do while remaining secure, where is the line?
These are important questions, and they deserve thoughtful biblical answers.
Where Is the Doctrine of the Security of Believers Found in Scripture?
Over the next several weeks, we will allow the Word of God to answer this question through a variety of passages. Together we will examine six proofs of eternal security.
For now, I want to begin with one foundational passage. It is the lynchpin upon which this doctrine rests. It serves as the anchor for our security.
1 John 5:11-13
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
John's words are remarkably clear. If we have the Son of God, we have life. If we do not have the Son, we do not have life. The issue is straightforward.
As we continue reading, John's purpose becomes unmistakable. He writes so that believers "may know" they have eternal life. God does not intend for His children to spend their lives wondering whether they belong to Him. According to this passage, those who believe in the name of the Son of God can know with certainty that eternal life is theirs.
In reality, there are only four possible categories of people in the world:
- People who are unsaved and know they are unsaved.
- People who are saved and know they are saved.
- People who are not saved but believe they are saved.
- People who are saved but do not know they are saved.
Which category describes you?
Do you know that you are saved and that you will go to heaven when you die? God desires for His children to live with that kind of security.
Why Does This Matter?
When believers understand and embrace the security God provides, several life-changing results follow.
1. We Stand in Assurance
We live with a settled confidence rather than continual uncertainty.
2. We Are Confident in Our Forgiveness
We no longer wonder whether our sins have truly been forgiven.
3. We Are Free from Guilt
The crushing burden of failure is lifted as we rest in God's grace.
4. We Are Assured of God's Love
We know that we stand before Him as His children.
5. We Are Motivated to Share Christ with Others
Confidence in our salvation fuels our passion to tell others about the love of Jesus.
The alternative is a life marked by bondage and fear. Instead of resting in God's promises, we live with constant dread, worried that we may somehow be condemned or cast away. Doubt pushes us away from the very God who desires to draw us near.
But God's desire is not that we live in fear. He wants us to experience security. In the coming blogs, we will examine the biblical foundation for the confidence our souls desperately need.
Conclusion: Why Do We Struggle?
Even sincere believers may struggle with assurance. If you wrestle with doubt, consider whether one of these factors may be contributing to your uncertainty.
Sin
Persistent sin in the life of a believer does not cause the loss of salvation, but it can produce guilt that leads to doubt. This is one of Satan's subtle strategies. He cannot take away your salvation, but he can tempt you to question whether it is real.
Spiritual Immaturity or Confusion
Some believers struggle because they have never fully understood the depth and richness of God's saving work. Without a solid biblical foundation, they are easily tossed back and forth by fear and uncertainty. (See Paul's writing in Ephesians.)
Comparison
This is an especially dangerous trap.
We tend to believe that assurance belongs only to the spiritual elite. We assume that "Super Spiritual Steve" or "Susan" has everything figured out, while we fall short. Comparing ourselves to others often leads us to question our own standing before God.
The truth is that nearly every Christian experiences seasons of doubt at some point. While doubt is not necessary, it is certainly common.
Childhood Conversion
Many people who come to faith early in life later experience periods of uncertainty.
This reality should encourage wisdom and care when sharing the gospel with children. Some may discover that they never truly placed their faith in Christ. If that is your situation, I would not want to offer superficial reassurance.
Only you can honestly evaluate your response to Christ. If you recognize a need to trust Him, you can come to Him in faith, confess your sin, and place your trust in His death and resurrection. Call upon the name of the Lord, and He will save you. (Romans 10:9-10, 13)
Struggle or Spiritual Attack
Sometimes genuine believers walk through seasons of intense hardship or spiritual warfare. These struggles can create doubt and confusion.
Many assume that Christians should never face serious difficulties. As a result, when trials come, they conclude that they must not be true believers.
Yet Scripture teaches the opposite. Believers can experience intense opposition, suffering, and spiritual attack while still belonging completely to Christ.
Whatever the source of your doubt, my prayer is that this blog, and those that follow, will help you find lasting assurance. May you discover the confidence that comes from God's Word and experience the peace that He desires for your soul.
The rich well of Scripture offers more than wishful thinking. It offers certainty. And that certainty begins not with our feelings, but with the promises of God.
