Do Baptists Believe in Eternal Security? A Balanced Look

The Baptist View of Eternal Security

The doctrine of "once saved, always saved," also known as eternal security or perseverance of the saints, is a controversial topic in Christian theology. Many Baptist denominations staunchly defend this teaching, believing that a person who is truly saved can never lose his or her salvation later on. However, some critics argue that this doctrine promotes "cheap grace" and gives license to wilful sinning.

The Biblical Basis for Eternal Security

Baptists who believe in eternal security base their conviction on verses like John 10:28 where Jesus says, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." They argue that salvation is completely the work of God, not based on human effort. A believer cannot do anything to lose a salvation that was provided freely by grace in the first place.

In addition, passages like Romans 8:35-39 emphasize that nothing can separate the elect from the love of God. Once someone is saved, that person is sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of the inheritance to come, according to Ephesians 1:13-14.

Objections and Warnings Raised Against Eternal Security

However, some opponents of this doctrine point to verses that seem to suggest that continuing in willful, unrepentant sin can indicate one was never saved in the first place. Hebrews 10:26 says, "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left."

Likewise, James 2:14 asks, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?" This verse implies that genuine, saving faith will necessarily lead to good works.

Responses to Objections from Eternal Security Proponents

Those who believe in eternal security argue that while backsliding and worldly living are always wrong for believers, they do not cause one to lose salvation. The backslidden person will face correction and discipline from God, but not rejection or condemnation. In response to the objection from Hebrews 10:26, they state that this verse refers to unbelievers in the church who never had genuine saving faith to begin with.

Once Saved Always Saved: Heresy or Sound Doctrine?

As with many theological debates, sincere Christians can be found on both sides of the once saved always saved discussion. Both camps aim to be faithful to the full witness of Scripture. So is one view heretical, or is this a matter that allows room for disagreement among believers?

The Charge of Heresy from Opponents

Some Christians vociferously deny eternal security as a dangerous teaching that gives license to sin wilfully. Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches officially reject this doctrine, as do Methodists and certain other Protestant denominations. They argue that Scripture contains not only promises of security for believers who endure to the end, but also sober warnings against falling away from the faith.

They may concede that no one can pluck true believers from Christ’s hand, but they argue that believers can still choose themselves to abandon their faith. So from this perspective, once saved always saved is a serious distortion of the Bible’s call to pursue holiness and obedience.

Defense as Orthodox from Supporters

On the other hand, defenders of eternal security maintain that this is a valid doctrinal position well within the bounds of orthodox Christianity. They point out that various denominations and theologians have affirmed this teaching throughout church history. Saints like Augustine and the Protestant Reformers Martin Luther and John Calvin all held to the perseverance of the saints.

Furthermore, they argue this doctrine upholds the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement rather than making salvation dependent on human effort. So once saved always saved glorifies God’s grace and power to save completely. It does not pretend that Christians no longer sin, but rather insists that Christ’s blood covers all sins - past, present and future.

Pastoral Implications of the Eternal Security Debate

As with many theological controversies, sincerely devout Christians endorse different positions on eternal security. So rather than lob charges of heresy back and forth, it may be more constructive to focus on the pastoral implications of this doctrine.

Cautions for Eternal Security Supporters

For those who affirm once saved always saved, they must make clear that this doctrine does not condone using grace as a license for sin. Warnings against apostasy and calls to perseverance still stand. Additionally, pastors should gently correct professing believers living in patterns of unrepentant sin - they may not be saved at all according to 1 John 2:3-6.

Cautions for Eternal Security Opponents

Meanwhile, to critics of eternal security, beware of overstating the salvation question such that believers constantly doubt whether they are saved. Affirm that Christians can have full assurance of salvation from Scripture, even if they acknowledge the danger of falling away later through willful sin. Also emphasize the grace-based nature of salvation apart from human merit.

Ultimately, baptists have good biblical reasons for affirming eternal security. Yet at the same time, warnings against false assurance ring true as well. As in many areas of disputable matters (Romans 14:1), humility, charity and grace should characterize this conversation.

FAQs

Can a person lose their salvation if they commit a sin?

Most baptists who believe in eternal security would say no - salvation cannot be lost based on sins committed. True saving faith will result in repentance and bearing fruit, but not sinless perfection. Sins alone don't cause condemnation, since Jesus paid for all sins. However, ongoing unrepentant sin may indicate one was never saved.

What about passages warning against falling away from the faith?

Proponents of eternal security argue that these passages refer to those who only seemed to believe for a time but did not have genuine saving faith rooted in God's grace. Or they refer to physical spiritual consequences, not loss of salvation. But opponents say these verses prove believers can abandon their faith by willful unbelief.

Don't some pastors use once saved always saved to justify sin?

Sadly yes, some falsely preach that grace gives a license to sin. Baptists who sincerely hold to eternal security emphasize that this doctrine never condones using grace as an excuse for an ungodly lifestyle. Warnings to persevere and sober calls to holiness still apply to believers.

Why do baptists believe in eternal security strongly?

Because this doctrine upholds God's sovereignty in salvation from beginning to end. Salvation relies wholly on Christ's atoning work, not human effort. And God's promise assures all who trust in Christ of eternal life never to be lost. Still, this does not diminish warnings against developing false assurance of salvation while living apart from Christ.