Eternal security and the Trinity
Two Views of Salvation
Some people would say that man’s work can help him earn salvation, whereas others say salvation is entirely God’s work.
If salvation can be earned or deserved in any way, based on our actions, then there is a possibility that we might stumble and lose it again. This is in effect a ‘social gospel’ a gospel based on good works. This would mean that salvation was gained by doing good works and implies a necessary standard of conduct.
If, like most Christians we believe that salvation is entirely the work of God, then we could only lose it through some failure on God’s part. This is of course impossible.
The Bible is clear on this point that salvation is a gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Four Foundational Principles for the Eternal Security of a believer
1. God’s omniscience; he knows everything, past, present, and future. He knows each one of us at our worst (faults and failings) and at our best. He knew what he was doing when he saved each one of us. He was big enough to complete the task of preparing us for eternity.
Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
See also 2 Timothy 2:13, Isaiah 46:9-10.
2. The nature of a gift from God; Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
A wage is earned, but a gift is given, the Greek word for gift charisma means a gift. Eternal life is a gift, and the Scripture says in Romans 11 :29 the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
If we could lose our salvation, then surely God’s omniscience and grace would be in doubt!
3. The work of the Trinity in our salvation
All three personalities of the triune Godhead co-operated in our salvation. The idea that any or all of them failed is absurd.
a) The work of the Father.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Father God planned our salvation and has adopted us into his family.
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
It was the Father who began the good work in us, and He will faithfully complete it.
b) The work of the Son
Jesus died for every sin; past, present, and future. If even one sin was not covered by his blood, then we would be in grave danger. But thank God that no sin can now affect God’s plan, because they have all been considered since Jesus died for the sins of the whole world.
Jesus is our advocate (1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:). The parakletos (advocate) means one called alongside to help. Jesus does not turn his back on us when we sin but rather, he rushes to the Father saying, ‘Yes, I know he is guilty, but I paid for that sin on the cross’.
When we get to heaven there will be great rejoicing ‘He (Jesus) shall see the travail of his soul and be satisfied (Isaiah 53:11).
Jesus is both judge and advocate (John 5:22,27). The court is biased in our favour!
c) The work of the Father and Son Together.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day.40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
The Father gives men to the Son and He will lose none of them!
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never [2] 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 can pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one.
d) The work of the Holy Spirit.
We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest [3] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
We are sealed now at the point of salvation. This implies a ‘done deal’. God owns us from that moment forever. The King of King’s seal cannot be reversed.
4. The family or kindred relationship.
We are born-again into God’s family; Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Even if we deny Our Father, He remains faithful to us.
Amen
Personal Prayer
Footnotes
[2] Double negative in Greek for emphasis ‘never ever’.
In Part 5 we examine the scriptures used to argue against eternal security.
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