Is eternal security a "license" to sin?

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[ealgeone]

Question: "Is eternal security a "license" to sin?"

Answer: The most frequent objection to the doctrine of eternal security is that it supposedly allows people to live any way that they want and still be saved. While this may be "technically" true, it is not true in reality. A person who has truly been redeemed by Jesus Christ will not live a life characterized by continuous, willful sin. We must draw a distinction between how a Christian should live and what a person must do in order to receive salvation.

The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6). The moment a person truly believes in Jesus Christ, he or she is saved and secure in that salvation. It is unbiblical to say that salvation is received by faith, but then has to be maintained by works. The apostle Paul addresses this issue in Galatians 3:3 when he asks, "Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" If we are saved by faith, our salvation is also maintained and secured by faith. We cannot earn our own salvation. Therefore, neither can we earn the maintenance of our salvation. It is God who maintains our salvation (Jude 24). It is God's hand that holds us firmly in His grasp (John 10:28-29). It is God's love that nothing can separate us from (Romans 8:38-39).

Any denial of eternal security is, in its essence, a belief that we must maintain our own salvation by our own good works and efforts. This is completely antithetical to salvation by grace. We are saved because of Christ's merits, not our own (Romans 4:3-8). To claim that we must obey God's Word or live a godly life to maintain our salvation is saying that Jesus' death was not sufficient to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus' death was absolutely sufficient to pay for all of our sins—past, present, and future, pre-salvation and post-salvation (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Does this mean that a Christian can live any way he wants to and still be saved? This is essentially a hypothetical question, because the Bible makes it clear that a true Christian will not live "any way he wants to." Christians are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not the acts of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). First John 3:6-9 clearly states that a true Christian will not live in continual sin. In response to the accusation that grace promotes sin, the apostle Paul declared, "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" (Romans 6:1-2).

Eternal security is not a license to sin. Rather, it is the security of knowing that God's love is guaranteed for those who trust in Christ. Knowing and understanding God's tremendous gift of salvation accomplishes the opposite of giving a license to sin. How could anyone, knowing the price Jesus Christ paid for us, go on to live a life of sin (Romans 6:15-23)? How could anyone who understands God's unconditional and guaranteed love for those who believe, take that love and throw it back in God's face? Such a person is demonstrating not that eternal security has given him a license to sin, but rather that he or she has not truly experienced salvation through Jesus Christ. "No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him" (1 John 3:6).

[ealgeone]

You continue to ignore the simple request to use a recognized means of posting Scripture. See the confusion it causes?

[kosciusko51]

The references are there at the bottom, in a small font that only a lawyer could appreciate. Also, by having all the references at the bottom it appears as if the passages are contiguous.

[ealgeone]

I know. That’s the problem.

[nonsporting]

"...all the references are at the bottom".

That is non-standard. Here is a more helpful way to reference:

42 Watch therefore: ... (Matthew 24:42-51)

You can include the verse numbers within, or simply site the passage at the bottom of EACH.

In Matthew 24 these were unfaithful servants, who, though they "professed", thought their works (as inconsistent as they are) were what saved them. Compare with:

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)

Note those who profess that they "know him" -- it doesn't matter. What is critical is if "he knows them". These he NEVER knew, not USED TO KNOW, but NEVER KNEW. They never really believed him, trusted in the gospel.

What is the "will of the Father"? Jesus explains:

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 every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:38-40)

It's not just Jesus by way of John who makes this point. Even Paul echoes this:

4 Who (God) will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:4-6)

This is the father's will (what he desires) -- that all come to the knowledge of the truth. That truth is the gospel -- that there is one savior who is the mediator between God and men, who gave himself a ransom for all. This is not universalism, but only to those who believe the gospel, who have ceased from their labors and entered into his rest, not those who claim to have done (inconsistently) many wonderful works. God knows the truth.

1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (Hebrews 4:1ff)

We enter into his rest by NOT trusting in our OWN works, but but trusting in HIS finished work, and his alone.

[ealgeone]

Nicely done.

[avenir]

I love Hebrews and the theme of rest. Talk about a mightily abused letter! There is so much beauty in it. Same with James. But the works-obsessed mind can’t rest because the second free grace is mentioned there is a Pavlovian RING and out come the nullifications.

They imagine objecting is from a more sincere faith, but it’s really just UNBELIEF.

[af_vet_1981]

In Matthew 24 these were unfaithful servants, who, though they "professed", thought their works (as inconsistent as they are) were what saved them.

No
1. All those in this passage are fellow servants.
2. There is no mention that these fellow servants were relying on their works. In contrast, He warned all the servants to watch, maintain their works, and not fall into the sins He mentioned.
3. In the passage you refer to, He does not call them servants. In contrast, He portrays them in the next parable as foolish because they did not hear and obey His sayings.
4. It does not matter if one defines saving faith> as "hear and obey" as long as they hear and obey. In that sense one cannot separate works from faith, for faith without works is dead. Those who love the Messiah will keep His commandments. Those who do not love Him will not keep His commandments. Works, works, works ...
5. God will render to every man according to his deeds.

[af_vet_1981]

In Matthew 24 these were unfaithful servants, who, though they "professed", thought their works (as inconsistent as they are) were what saved them.

No
1. All those in this passage are fellow servants.
2. There is no mention that these fellow servants were relying on their works. In contrast, He warned all the servants to watch, maintain their works, and not fall into the sins He mentioned.
3. In the passage you refer to, He does not call them servants. In contrast, He portrays them in the next parable as foolish because they did not hear and obey His sayings.
4. It does not matter if one defines saving faith as "hear and obey" as long as they hear and obey. In that sense one cannot separate works from faith, for faith without works is dead. Those who love the Messiah will keep His commandments. Those who do not love Him will not keep His commandments. Works, works, works ...
5. God will render to every man according to his deeds.

[SpirituTuo]

I would think so. Consider a child repeats some profanity, though has no knowledge of its meaning. That child is treated differently than a teenager doing the same thing.

A person who suffers some mental deficiency or debilitating mental illness lacks the knowledge and capacity to know right and wrong. How would a loving God treat person?

In both cases, I believe God’s endless mercy judges them innocent.

However, when there are violations of natural law, most people know what is right and wrong. Most people know without being told that hurting a child, murder, and theft are wrong in and of themselves. And in my opinion, will be judged accordingly.

A person who willfully disregards God’s law is 100% liable for their actions. Invincible ignorance, as opposed to being too lazy to educate oneself, takes on no liability.

[SpirituTuo]

I disagree. I lack the ability to negate the infinite and omnipotent power of God. Rather, I have been given the choice by the same God, to obey or not obey. In either case, I do so of my own free will. Otherwise, I would be an automaton.

Do you think Paul, Peter, or any of Christ’s first followers didn’t sin after Pentecost? Do you think God prevented them from sinning? Would you think they would not be Christians if they did sin?

[HarleyD]

Rather, I have been given the choice by the same God, to obey or not obey. In either case, I do so of my own free will.

Sure, go ahead and use your "free will" to disobey God. Let me know how long you'll like being in the belly of a fish. The record is three days.

Heb 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."

You are either a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness.

But, "free will" is a curious thing. If you had it why wouldn't you use it 100% of the time to be obedient to God?

[SpirituTuo]

The very simple answer is pride. All humans have pride, honest pride, and vain pride.

It is the vain pride that calls us to sin, just as Adam and Eve did.

Why does a child not listen when their parents tell them not to touch the hot stove? Pride.

Why do people say things like “I’ll show you!”? Pride.

Why do people not obey God? Pride.

Nobody said it was logical. Just as, why don’t people trust God, a perfect being? It happens every minute of everyday.

Of course, God chastises the sinner. How else will the sinner reform his life?

People struggle with sin every moment of the day. It is part of our fallen nature, and our imperfection.

Fortunately, we have recourse to God and His mercy when we do fall, and His grace to help us battle sin, as well as strengthen us.

[af_vet_1981]

What is the "will of the Father"? Jesus explains:

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 every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:38-40)

It's not just Jesus by way of John who makes this point. Even Paul echoes this:

4 Who (God) will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:4-6)

This is the father's will (what he desires) -- that all come to the knowledge of the truth. That truth is the gospel -- that there is one savior who is the mediator between God and men, who gave himself a ransom for all. This is not universalism, but only to those who believe the gospel, who have ceased from their labors and entered into his rest, not those who claim to have done (inconsistently) many wonderful works. God knows the truth.

1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (Hebrews 4:1ff) We enter into his rest by NOT trusting in our OWN works, but but trusting in HIS finished work, and his alone.

Having considered this, it makes sense must include all the passages that speak about the will of God to adequately discuss "the will of the Father." Let us examine some more of them in addition to the one already posted from John. As for Hebrews, it is true that without faith it is impossible to please God, and that those with faith will show that faith by works of faith(as the so called Roll Call of Faith in Hebrews demonstrates). So, one is not saved by believing one is saved, but by hearing and doing the sayings of the Messiah.


1. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
   
   First Peter, Catholic chapter two, Protestant verses eleven to fifteen,
   as authorized, but not authored, by King James
   
   
2. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
   
   Romans, Catholic chapter twelve, Protestant verses one to two,
   as authorized, but not authored, by King James
   
   
3. Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
   
   First Thessalonians, Catholic chapter four, Protestant verses one to twelve,
   as authorized, but not authored, by King James

[HarleyD]

People struggle with sin every moment of the day. It is part of our fallen nature, and our imperfection.

If one has "pride" and "struggle" with sin then they do NOT have "free will". Any sin is death. And they are slaves to that pride. They practice sin as John explains. They are to be prayed for that God will release them from their bondage. Their sinful behavior is understandable. They are in bondage to their sin. The Son must set unbelievers free from that bondage.

Believers, on the other hand, have been set free and no longer practice sin. We have become slaves to righteousness. We have a choice-to do God's will or to do our will. To do God's will is to walk His path. To do our will is sin. And we have no excuse why we do not live a perfect life except to say that we willfully, from time to time, lapse into our sinful and rebellious nature. We pray that God will reveal our sin to us and assist us in overcoming our sinful behavior so that we may walk with Him. But like Jonah, God WILL bring us around so that we will do His good works-to the praise of His name.

Of course, God chastises the sinner.

No, God chastise (disciplines) believers.

[SpirituTuo]

I think you just said what I said, except you don’t believe in free will.

People who love God sin. God’s grace helps them to see the errors in their ways, and repent. The person seeks forgiveness, and changes their ways.

Everybody has free will. They are free to choose good or evil, at any moment. Sometimes, we choose wrongly.

Are believers also sinners?

[reasonisfaith]

There’s active sinning, which takes calculation and planning like stealing or adultery. This kind can be prevented with free will. Then there’s sinning you can’t control until after you’ve already done it, like coveting.

[HarleyD]

I've never realized the Bible has two classification for sinning. I've always thought sin was a heart disease.

Mat 15:18-19 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.

[HarleyD]

Are believers also sinners?

I believe this is what started this conversation. Believers are sinners but they don't practice sinning. They repent to God and it's only because of God that we can repent. Unbelievers practice sinning and do not wish to repent. Unless God grants them the power they will never repent.

2Ti_2:25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

Everybody has free will. They are free to choose good or evil, at any moment. Sometimes, we choose wrongly.

This is heresy but it makes good coaster napkins.

[nonsporting]

In that sense one cannot separate works from faith, for faith without works is dead.

Even "dead" faith (faith without works) can save.

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Galatians 2:16)

Works justify no man before God.

1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:1-5)

These scriptures assert the truth that it is faith that saves, not works.

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. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Salvation is a gift. Gifts do no require any meritorious work to receive or to keep. If salvation does require work, then it wasn't a gift, but rather a debt owed to the worker.

Those who are trusting in their works in any capacity to save them have made God out to be a liar.

9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (1 John 5:9-12)

The believer receives the gift of eternal life, not temporary life that can vanish if a displeased master decides to become an Indian giver and take back the gift.

When a son of God is birthed by God (which is not by blood, nor by the will of the flesh, nor the will of men -- John 1:12,13) he becomes known to God and will forever be his child. He might not walk after the spirit and instead indulge the flesh (i.e. be the black sheep of the family), but he remains a son, sealed with the holy Spirit of promise:

As Paul says to the Ephesians in chapter 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 of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

This is the father's will ,b>as it pertains to salvation:

35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. 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 every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:35-40)

Recap:

• Jesus will not cast out any believer
• Jesus will not lose any believer but will raise him up at the last day
• Everlasting life is "everlasting" not temporary

God is repeating himself so that even the thickest head can understand, if he wants to.

[SpirituTuo]

I don’t understand the distinction between sinning and practicing sinning.