ETERNAL SECURITY

I. Definition: When a sinner in a moment of time believes once in the Lord Jesus Christ as his own personal Savior from the penalty of sin (eternal death), he is saved completely forever and can never be lost, no matter what he or anyone else does, even if he stops believing in Christ as Savior.

II. Approaches to Eternal Security:

A. The Bible never records even one instance of a believer’s loss of his salvation.

B. The Bible never records even one instance of a believer's being saved more than once.

C. Position in Christ.

1. Every human being is either "in Adam" or "in Christ." 1 Cor 15:22; John 3:36

2. Every believer is in union with Jesus Christ. Eph 1:4; Eph 2:13; 1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:26; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3.

3. Our position in Christ is the basis of:

a. Redemption. Eph 1:7

b. Righteousness. 2 Cor 5:21

c. Sonship. Gal 3:26-27; Rom 8:16-17; John 1:12

d. Sanctification. 1 Cor 1:2; 1 Cor 1:30;

e. Resurrection at the Rapture. 1 Thess 4 :16

f. Eternal life. John 5:11-12; John 3:14-16; John 3:36; John 10:28; John 20:31

4. In union with Christ we are no longer subject to time (positionally). We share His eternal life (see f above).

5. In union with Christ there is no judgment. Rom 8:1

6. Because we are “in Christ,” God's love for us cannot be changed. Rom 8:35; Rom 8:38-39.

7. We are "preserved in Christ." Jude 1:1

8. Therefore, because of this wonderful position, every believer is just as eternally secure as the Lord Jesus is.

D. Logical Approach: God did the most for us when we were His enemies, and He will do much more for us since we are His friends (sons in Christ). Rom 5:8-10; Rom 5:15; Rom 5:17; Rom 5:20; Rom 8:32

E. Anthropomorphism Approach (Hand of God). The believer is said to be held in God's hand and He will never let go. John 10:27-29; Psa 37:24

F. Family Approach: We are born into God's Family and cannot be born out of it. Gal 3:26-27; John 1:12-13.

G. Inheritance Approach: We are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. 1 Pet 1:4-5; Tit 3:5-7