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It seems everybody knows somebody who at one time lived the Christian life, but has apparently fallen off the Christian bandwagon. These "backsliders" have, by all appearances, rejected their earlier convictions and affections for Jesus Christ. They are either living a life of moral iniquity or, at least, religious indifference. The question in cases like these is, "What will happen to them when they die?"  The answer to that seems obvious until you discover that some people feel just as convinced as you do, but in the opposite way. How can that be and who is right? Christians face many issues that seem to have compelling evidence pro and con. The issue of eternal security is one of them. While it would appear that this is just a theological debate it has practical implications for our lives, as all theology does. What Does Scripture Say? Why would a just God remain committed to those who would chose to live in rebellion to Him? Leviticus chapter 26 records the words of the Lord to the nation of Israel. In verses 1 through 13 He encourages His people to obey Him by promising to bless them with providence, protection and prodigy. But notice what happens if they disobey. In verses 14 through 43 we read of the progression of penalties that will come upon the nation: fruitless fields and foreign oppression, plagues, pestilence, cannibalism, deportation and paranoia. The Lord paints a picture of devastation to the degree that the nation will be driven from the Promised Land of their forefathers and die in the lands of their enemies. | But despite all this carnage, we read the Lord's words in verse 44, "Yet in spite of this...I will not reject them...breaking my covenant with them." And what is the reason for such unparalleled compassion? "...for I am the Lord their God." Despite their rebellion, the nation of Israel would not loose relationship to God, because their relationship was never based upon their ability (Duet 7:7), it was only based upon God's love for them (Duet 7:8). How can that be lost which was never earned? Grace vs. Works Ephesians 2:8,9 tells the Christian reader that it was on account of God's grace, not of works, that they were saved. If salvation was never ours to earn, how can we lose it? How can we say our salvation is not based on works if we teach that our eternal destination is based upon our ability to live righteously? Does this mean the Christian has license to sin without consequence? Absolutely not. As we saw in Leviticus there was indeed consequence for sin. Severe consequence. But never was it a question of separation. God had given His word in the covenant He made with Abraham and his seed: the covenant would not be broken. A Christian who is disobedient to the Father will suffer the loss of blessings, but never will he be disowned. Is it that Important? A great many issues in Christianity are well debated from both sides. The question now becomes, "Why make eternal security an issue?" Why is it important? As the elders sought the Lord's direction and vision for our church there were a great many issues discussed. Not all of them were unanimously agreed upon. Eternal security was. It was reasoned that our vision is not only to introduce others to our Lord Jesus Christ but to help them become His disciples as well. The elders felt the greatest condition for growing disciples was the fertility that comes from the security of knowing there is nothing a person can do that will cause God to love them any more or less. With this assurance of salvation, the disciple is free from any motivation to seek approval- and protected from any doubts about its loss. Without this performance mentality, the Christian can truly experience grace. |