Articles
Needed: Commitment
In many religious discussions and debates, when it comes to the matter of man’s salvation, there are two major views commonly held; there are those who think man has a part in his salvation, and there are those who believe God does everything and man can do nothing. This extends to the discussion of whether a man, once saved, can forfeit his salvation. The concept of “once saved, always saved” is popular and strongly held, though other points of differences are often denied, when asked. But is that view correct, according to what the Scriptures teach?
Let it be said, from the start, that if there is any passage that would show one position to be false, that is sufficient to show the position to be false; it is illogical to demand “x number” of passages before one rejects a false position. One is enough. That said, any and all passages used (1) must be used in proper context, and (2) cannot contradict another passage. The basic rule of truth [i.e., God’s word, John 17:17] is that it does not contradict itself. In this case, if it can be shown that one can forfeit, or has forfeited his salvation, that belief of “once saved, always saved:” must be rejected. At the same time, we must use logic and common sense when reading certain passages. In regard to the possibility of falling away, if it can be shown that God demands faithfulness, if it can be shown faithfulness is encouraged, or if it can be shown that disciples were admonished to be faithful, the only logical conclusion one must draw from such passages is that there is a possibility of not being faithful — there is, indeed, the possibility of falling away and forfeiting one’s salvation. So, what do the Scriptures teach?
The Demand to be Faithful. On this point, God’s word is very clear: God demands faithfulness. Logic tells us that if God demands something of us, it is then (1) possible, and (2) necessary. And faithfulness is not something God makes or forces man to do, despite or against his will; no one within Scripture is called faithful who is not personally responsible for their faithfulness. Consider that Jesus demanded of the church in Smyrna, “Be faithful until death” that they might receive “the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10); there would be no crown if they were not faithful until death. They needed to be faithful; He was not going to make them faithful!
Consider also the example of the apostle Paul; when he neared the end of his life, he could write, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7, 8). Note that Paul wrote — by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, no less — that he “kept the faith”; it was his commitment to the Lord, not a supernatural act of coercion or strengthening.
Paul was not claiming some great power or ability to save himself, either. He would also write, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Yes, Paul kept the faith, but it was the Lord who strengthened him to be able to keep it. But it was not a supernatural strengthening against, or in spite of, his will.
Note also in the parable of the talents that the servants were all called before the master to give account of what they had done (Matt. 25:14-30). The two servants who returned their master’s talents with more were rewarded and called “good and faithful” servants, while the one who buried the talent was called “wicked and lazy” and “unprofitable.” Let us acknowledge that the opposite of “faithful” is one who is wicked, lazy, and unprofitable. There was no reward for the unfaithful servant! Faithfulness was demanded, and their faithfulness was demonstrated by what they did for their master!
Admonitions and Exhortations to be Faithful. Throughout the New Testament, the writers often exhort the readers to be faithful, using different terms to make these exhortations. For example, the writer of the book of Hebrews wrote to Jewish Christians who were contemplating turning away from Christ and going back to the Old Law, but the writer admonished them, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23); essentially, he is telling them to be faithful because God is faithful. If there was no possibility of them falling away or, in this case, turning away, why the admonition?
Paul reminded the brethren in Corinth of the basic message of the gospel and the need to continue believing its message, writing, “I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you” (1st Cor. 15:1, 2). Note that Paul said they ‘stood’ in the gospel that would be what saved them “if” they held fast to it; that is, if they were faithful. Does not the very implication of the word “if” mean there is a possibility of them not holding fast [being faithful]? If there is no possibility of them not being faithful, why this admonition?
Examples of the Unfaithful. Finally, the Scriptures also give us a couple of examples where one’s behavior rendered them, for the moment, unfaithful and, thus, in danger of forfeiting their salvation. First, we see the example of Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24); he was among those in Samaria who heard Philip preaching the gospel message and who “believed Philip…and…were baptized” (Acts 8:12, 13). But not long after this, when Simon saw “that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money” for that power. It was then that Peter told him, “Your money perish with you…for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:20-22). Now, will anyone argue that Simon, whose heart was said to be “not right in the sight of God,” was at that moment still in God’s good graces and could look forward to the eternal reward?
[And lest anyone say, “Well, he never really was saved”: Upon what basis could this be said? He did the same thing the others in Samaria did; were they also “not really saved”?]
And then there is Peter himself who, when he went to Antioch, had fellowship with the Gentile brethren — until some came from James, and he then “withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision” (Gal. 2:11-13). Paul said he “withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed” (Gal. 2:11); the Greek word translated here as “blamed” is elsewhere translated as “condemn(ed)” (cf. 1 John 3:20, 21). Am I to believe that, at this point, Peter was worthy of condemnation, but still expecting eternal salvation?
The point in showing these things is to exhort the reader to faithfulness, making a determined effort to not turn one’s back on Christ, to not give up one’s faith, and to not surrender the promise of eternal life for those who are faithful. What is needed by those who are Christ’s is commitment. We need commitment because trials will come; we need commitment because temptations will come and our spiritual adversary is just looking for someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:8); we need commitment because we sometimes lose sight of the eternal things due to the busy-ness of this material world.
Strengthen yourself in the Lord, and stand fast. Commitment! — Steven Harper
