Bible Basics

Once Saved, Always Saved

Last week’s article brought considerable response from many who believe in the doctrine of “once saved, always saved.” For some reason, in spite of all my statements to the contrary, many seem to think I am suggesting that one will get to heaven by “living good enough” to get there.  Listen carefully. The only way that anyone, including myself, will ever see the face of God in peace is by means of God’s grace and the forgiveness that we find in Christ! Christ died so that we might find pardon for our sins. Even the Christian sins from time to time and needs God’s grace. In our study of 1 John 1:5-10, we have seen that the apostle contrasts the Christian who “walks in darkness” (v. 6) with the child of God who “walks in the light” (v. 7). “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (v.6). This passage indicates several things concerning the Christian: 1) he can walk in darkness; 2) he can no longer be in fellowship with God; 3) he can be a liar. The facts are clear. No one who “walks in darkness” can go to heaven; no one outside of fellowship with God can go to heaven; and as for liars, John says, “all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). The Christian can fall from God’s grace.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics