Bible Basics

More Evidence

The Bible teaches the blessed assurance of heaven (1 John 1:7; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; 1 Peter 1:3, 4; etc.). But the Bible does not teach the doctrine of “once saved, always saved.” Without piling up the evidence (which is substantial), one last passage should end this matter. James writes, “My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know that he who converts a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death” (Jas. 5:19-20). Note first of all that “brethren” are the subject of John’s concern. Second, he makes it clear that a brother can “err from the truth” and in so doing become a “sinner.” Third, the brother that errs needs to be “converted.” The word rendered “converted” means “to turn.” This erring brother needs to be turned away from the course being followed. Fourth, this conversion results in “saving” the apostate brother’s soul, because if the brother continues on the course being followed his destiny is “death.” The word “death” denotes separation and refers to spiritual death, not physical death. This brother’s sin separates him from God, a separation that will continue throughout eternity if he is not turned back to the truth. God is “not desiring that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Nevertheless, the possibility of apostasy exists.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics