What happened to “Once saved, always saved”? Is it really “Once saved, but nobody knows if he is saved unless/until he perseveres to the end”?
I hold to the perseverance of the saints, so I don’t believe a believer can lose his salvation, but you need to talk to someone else about “once saved always saved.” I reject the way some use the phrase. Perseverance of the Saints is the idea that all who are chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and given faith by the Spirit are eternally saved. They are kept in faith by the power of Almighty God and thus persevere to the end. And the Word is clear, we can most certainly have assurance of salvation in this life.
It is key to understand that a believer perseveres only because the Lord sustains them, they don’t persevere on their own strength. In other words, people are ultimately saved not because of their own efforts at perseverance, but they persevere because of God’s grace.
Miley may, on her own strength, made a profession of faith and been baptized (I don’t know if either is true), but we are not saved by the free will decisions of men. Anyone who led her to believe her actions saved her woefully misled her. We don’t check some boxes, perform religious duties (baptism) and achieve salvation. Contrary to what so many believe, we cannot will ourselves into the kingdom. “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” (Romans 9:16) “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13)
We are saved by His sovereign and free grace, not doctrine, religious duties, or decision. The Bible is very clear on this. Salvation is not of ourselves. It is a gift from above. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
There is so much to say on all of this. I wish I had time to say more and to say what I am trying to say with more clarity, but I’m way behind in the office and have to leave.
If a person denounces their faith, as Miley has, she is not saved. By Faith through Grace, we are saved. If we don’t have that Faith, we are not covered by that Grace.
I hope she repents.