The doctrine of OSAS, "Once Saved, Always Saved," also known as the doctrine of eternal security, asserts that once a person genuinely accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior, they can never lose their salvation, regardless of subsequent actions or behaviors. This belief has been a subject of theological debate within Christianity, with proponents and opponents presenting compelling arguments based on scripture. Let's explore both perspectives:
Against "Once Saved, Always Saved":
· Ezekiel 18:24 (ESV): "But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die."
This verse suggests that a righteous person can turn away from their righteousness and commit sin, leading to spiritual death. It challenges the notion of eternal security by implying that salvation is conditional upon continued righteousness and faithfulness.
· Hebrews 6:4-6 (ESV): "For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt."
This passage warns against the danger of falling away from the faith after experiencing the blessings of salvation. It suggests that those who turn away from Christ cannot be brought back to repentance, indicating a loss of salvation.
For "Once Saved, Always Saved":
· John 10:27-29 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."
This passage emphasizes the security of believers in Christ's hand and the Father's hand. It suggests that once a person is genuinely saved, they are eternally secure and cannot be separated from God's love.
· Romans 8:38-39 (ESV): "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
This verse affirms the unbreakable bond between believers and God's love. It indicates that nothing in all creation can separate believers from God's love, including any actions or circumstances that might arise after salvation.
Conclusion:
While the doctrine of "Once Saved, Always Saved" provides assurance and comfort to many believers, it is essential to approach this topic with humility and reverence for God's Word. Both sides of the argument present valid scriptural evidence, highlighting the complexity of the issue.
Seeing how many Godly men and women stand on either side of this conundrum, we must conclude that, ultimately, the certainty of salvation and our focus should lie in accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, committing to follow Him faithfully, and trusting in His grace and mercy. As believers, let us hold fast to the truth of the Gospel and strive to live lives that honor God, knowing that our salvation rests solely in Him.
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