“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:12
Introduction
Few doctrines stir more debate in the body of Christ than the question of Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS). The gravity of this topic cannot be overstated, for it intersects with assurance, holiness, perseverance, and the nature of saving faith. Here we examine both sides of the argument—those who affirm the eternal security of the believer, and those who warn that salvation can be forfeited—using Scripture and approaching the subject with doctrinal clarity and prophetic sobriety.
The Case for Once Saved Always Saved (Affirming Eternal Security)
The Nature of God’s Keeping Power
Those who affirm OSAS emphasize the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in preserving the believer. Salvation, they argue, rests not on man’s ability but on God’s promise.
John 10:28–29 declares:
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
Christ’s words stress permanence—“never perish”—and divine protection from external threats.
The Sealing of the Spirit
The believer is described as being sealed until redemption.
Ephesians 4:30:
“…ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
This seal is God’s claim of ownership and guarantee.
Salvation as a Work of God Alone
If salvation is wholly a divine work, it cannot be undone by human frailty.
Philippians 1:6:
“…he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Eternal Life Is Eternal
Supporters argue that Scripture does not describe salvation with conditions such as temporary, fragile, or probationary.
John 5:24:
“…hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation…”
The promise is present, fixed, and irrevocable.
Perseverance as Evidence, Not the Cause
In this view, true believers will persevere because the Spirit ensures it.
1 John 2:19:
“They went out from us, but they were not of us…”
Those who fall away demonstrate they were never truly saved.
The Case Against Once Saved Always Saved (Affirming Conditional Security)
Warnings of Falling Away
Scripture repeatedly warns believers—not unbelievers—against falling into apostasy.
Hebrews 6:4–6:
“…if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance…”
This passage speaks of those who have tasted the heavenly gift, shared in the Holy Ghost, and yet fall away.
Salvation Described as Something One Can Depart From
1 Timothy 4:1:
“Some shall depart from the faith…”
One cannot depart from what one was never in.
The Necessity of Endurance
Jesus repeatedly ties salvation to endurance—not initial belief alone.
Matthew 24:13:
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Salvation is portrayed as a journey requiring steadfastness.
Branches Once Connected Can Be Cut Off
John 15:6:
“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch…”
The branch was connected—yet becomes cast out if it fails to abide.
Paul echoes this in regard to Israel and Gentile believers:
Romans 11:20–22:
“Thou standest by faith… Be not highminded… for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.”
The Possibility of One’s Name Blotted Out
Revelation 3:5:
“…and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life…”
A warning implies a possibility.
Continuing in Faith Is Required
Colossians 1:23:
“…if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled…”
The “if” signals contingency.
Reconciling the Tension: How Should Believers Understand These Passages?
1. Scripture Affirms Both God’s Keeping and Man’s Responsibility
Believers are both kept by the power of God (1 Peter 1:5) and commanded to keep themselves in the love of God (Jude 21).
2. The Promises Are for the Faithful
Eternal security is unbreakable only for those who continue in Christ.
Salvation is not fragile—but neither is it a license to sin.
The same Paul who teaches salvation by grace warns of being a castaway (1 Corinthians 9:27).
3. Apostasy Is Real, But It Is the Rejection of Christ—Not Ordinary Weakness
Scripture distinguishes between:
– Human stumbling, which is common and forgivable (1 John 1:9).
– Deliberate, hardened rejection of Christ, which brings judgment (Hebrews 10:26–29).
4. The Assurance of Salvation Must Be Based on Present Faith
Assurance is not rooted in a past prayer, but a present relationship with Christ.
2 Corinthians 13:5:
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith…”
Conclusion
The debate over Once Saved Always Saved ultimately reveals a biblical balance:
- God is faithful to keep His own, and no outside force can sever the believer from His hand.
- But Scripture also issues solemn warnings that salvation can be forfeited by deliberate apostasy, unbelief, and willful departure from Christ.
The safest path is neither presumption nor fear, but abiding in Christ daily.
The believer’s security lies in continual faith, ongoing obedience, and remaining in the One who saves.
As Jesus said, “Abide in me.”
Those who abide will never be lost.
Those who depart endanger themselves.
Salvation is eternally secure—in Christ, not apart from Him.