Presumptuous Eternal Security

2023-02-17

I believe in the doctrine of eternal security because of the doctrine of rebirth and regeneration. The incorruptible Word of God regenerates people, and faith is a result of this regeneration.

However, the longer I dwell on this, the more I call for caution on this doctrine. While God knows who are His, and who is going to be with Him for eternity, we are not 100% sure who are His. Paul came back to churches to make sure they remained in the faith. “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:21-22). “For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain” (1 Thessalonians 3:5)

It is our job to ensure that we are in Him. “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:11). Just because someone made some manner of confession of Christ in the past does not mean the same is saved. The Christian will stay the course. “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not” (1 John 5:18).

The one who made a profession that does not even consider the Lord for the rest of His life is highly suspect of not being truly saved. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2).

Maybe we are too quick to emphasize this doctrine. The doctrine of the rebirth, regeneration, and security should be taught along side of assurance and being cautious against presumption. God knows who are truly His, but from our perspective, we need to be careful to seek Him and persevere in Him.